Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:449 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if an audit of heritage houses, buildings or sites has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16901/03]
Written Answers. - Heritage Sites.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:450 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his plans for the preservation of heritage sites, houses or buildings throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16902/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.
Under the provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999, a nation wide survey is currently being carried out by my Department to help identify structures and buildings which are of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. To date, four interim county surveys have been completed and four more will be launched this year.
Heritage sites, houses and buildings are protected through a variety of legal mechanisms, including the Planning and Development Act 2000. Under the provisions of Part IV of the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a record of protected structures within its functional area.
This legislation places a duty of care on the owners of protected structures and also gives planning authorities enhanced powers, not only to deal with development proposals affecting them, but also to safeguard their future. My Department's role is to provide advice to planning authorities in the exercise of these functions. Draft guidelines entitled "Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities" have already been published in December 2001 and will be finalised later this year. I also intend to further strengthen the protection of heritage sites by proposing a Bill which will update and consolidate national monuments legislation.
My Department operates a number of measures providing assistance towards the cost of conserving our architectural heritage. Some €6 million is being made available this year from public funds for the conservation of relevant structures. Annual allocations for conservation grant schemes are determined having regard to the wider budgetary position. My Department will continue to monitor the operation and effectiveness of these schemes.