Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
445 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to ensure the protection of Nos. 3 to 8 Hume Street, Dublin 2, a Georgian terrace, in view of its importance as part of Dublin city’s architectural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 319 and 321 of 15 May 2012.
My role as Minister, the role of local authorities, and the responsibilities of owners, with regard to protected structures are set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011. Under Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Acts, inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures in relation to those structures.
Planning authorities are also given powers to ensure that the structures are protected. This includes powers to serve notice to carry out protective works, and obligations in relation to how development proposals are considered. The appropriate authority in this case is Dublin City Council.
My Department has some limited funding (€500,000 in 2012) for structures at risk. Applications for this funding are made by local authorities to my Department and the deadline for applications in 2012 has passed.
My Department is currently developing various policy actions which can contribute to the protection and appropriate re-use of our built heritage, while seeking to deal with on-going strategic objectives indirectly affecting our architectural heritage, such as the adaptive re-use for historic properties and a forward plan-led approach to cultural heritage and urban design in our towns and cities. To this end, my Department is currently finalising a best practice manual on re-use of protected structures. This will complement my Department's existing architectural conservation advice series and will be of assistance to local authorities and owners in ensuring a sustainable future for our stock of protected structures.
In this regard, my Department's policy and best practice advice consistently recommends that appropriate new uses are identified and pursued for vacant protected structures, as this is the best means of ensuring conservation of their architectural heritage.
