I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 364 together.
Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for each planning authority in the exercise of its functions under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority is required to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for its functional area for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.
A recommendation was made under Section 53 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, that Fr. Matthew Hall be included in the RPS. The addition or deletion of a structure to or from the RPS is a reserved function and, as such, is a matter for the planning authority.
I understand that Athlone Town Council has yet to make a decision in relation to the inclusion of Fr. Matthew Hall in the RPS for Athlone. However, I also understand that the Town Council, as owner of the building, has decided to retain the structure and to extend and refurbish it for possible use as an Art Gallery.
