Vol. 529 No. 2
145 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide South Dublin County Council with the funds necessary to purchase for public use Riversdale House, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. [2601/01]
The Deputy will be aware that the protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities and that my role is mainly to provide advice to planning authorities in the exercise of their functions. I understand that a purchase notice, under section 29 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, has been served on South Dublin County Council. The Deputy will understand this is a matter for determination by South Dublin County Council, in conjunction with Bord Pleanála.
I must point out that the State already has a sizeable portfolio of over 700 national monuments and historic properties which are in the care of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department. The resources required to conserve and manage such properties are already considerable and continue to increase. I regret, therefore, that it will not be possible for me to become involved in the acquisition of Riversdale House.
146 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will consider purchasing a site (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of its historic value. [2748/01]
I refer the Deputy to the reply given to Questions Nos. 820 and 824 of 3 October, 2000. As I indicated on that occasion, because the site is earmarked for a major commercial development the question of its acquisition by my Department does not arise.
