Written Answers Nos. 651-668
651. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consultations her Department has had with the Department of Education and Skills relating to the 20-year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, specifically with regard to the State’s support for gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5678/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has the overarching responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 in cooperation with a wide range of key stakeholders, including the Department of Education and Skills. In that context, my Department is in regular contact with these stakeholders with regard to progressing the implementation of a wide range of measures, including educational measures, under the Strategy.
I should also say that a number of structures have been established to progress the implementation of the Strategy and monitor progress in this regard. These structures include the Cabinet Committee on the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht, chaired by An Taoiseach, the Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by me as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, and various groups of officials dealing with different sectors, including education.
The Deputy may wish to note that I have been engaging on a bilateral basis with Ministerial colleagues with regard to the implementation of the Strategy. As part of this engagement process, I intend to discuss the support available for gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí at my meeting this week with the Minister for Education and Skills.
652. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the consultation process regarding the 1916 commemoration; the funding that will be made available; the specific projects that are under consideration; the timeframe for implementation of the commemoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5679/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra656. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which preparations for the 1916 commemorations continue to progress apace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6078/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 656 together.
The Ireland 2016 initiative, which I am leading, aims to develop, coordinate and deliver a programme to honour and remember those who fought and died in the 1916 Easter Rising. The Ireland 2016 initiative will reflect on the legacy of that period and look towards our future, based around 5 themes, as set out in the Government's framework plan:
- Remembering the past
- Reconciling and respecting all traditions
- Presenting Ireland to the world
- Imagining our future
- Celebrating our achievements.
The Ireland 2016 Project Team in my Department is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process across the Government, State agency and community sectors in order to progress the development of detailed plans for 2016. Meetings have taken place between the team and the various key Departments, agencies, local authorities and other interested parties and I am delighted at the level of interest and enthusiasm for the programme to date. I envisage that this formal consultation phase will be complete by end-February, but engagement will, of course, be ongoing with interested parties as the programme develops towards implementation.
In this regard, I have secured an amount of €4 million in current funding in the Revised Estimates for 2015 to support the development of an integrated plan – Ireland 2016 – focused on commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising. It is my intention to allocate this funding in a manner that will help to support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups, as well as the national cultural institutions, education, the Irish language and arts sectors. This funding is in addition to the capital provision of €22 million to be allocated in 2015 to a number of flagship commemorations projects.
653. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will reconsider current proposals to transfer Bolton Library in Cashel, County Tipperary, to the University of Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5898/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I am aware that there are some discussions taking place in regard to the issue referred to in the Question, my Department has no direct role in the matter, nor have I received any proposals in this regard.
654. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has received information from Waterways Ireland incorporating the review of the draft regulations appertaining to the cost and regulations associated with the use of canals in County Kildare for leisure and residential purposes; the degree to which the concerns expressed by the various interest groups have been addressed to date in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6076/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland proposes to make new bye-laws which are intended to enhance its ability to manage the canals for the benefit of all canal users. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. These seven waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad.
The proposed new bye-laws are intended to enhance the ability of Waterways Ireland to manage the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation for the benefit of all canal users. Investment by Waterways Ireland in these waterways has made them more attractive for boat owners and is helping to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users. In this context, it is now necessary to update the bye-laws to ensure that the rules governing use of the waterways are fit for purpose and best meet the needs of all waterway users.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the proposed bye-laws. Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws in 2014. I am advised that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. The current permit holders on the three waterways, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers, received individual written notices and were given the opportunity to make their views known.
I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process and that Waterways Ireland has concluded its analysis of the submissions received. A summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/public-consultation.
My officials are currently liaising with Waterways Ireland with a view to finalising draft bye-laws which will be referred to me, as Minister, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. It is my intention to afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.
655. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent of representations received by her Department over the past number of years on the impact of the habitats directive or similar directives; the extent to which those directly affected in a negative way have been consulted in regard to the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6077/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. The Directives has been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Wildlife Acts. In advance of the designation of a site, my Department writes to all identified land owners with a legal interest in the site, outlining the intention to designate the site, the appeals process and how to get further information. Public notices in relation to the proposed designation are also placed in local media.
Landowners may object to the proposed designation of a site as a special area of conservation or special protection area. Following the completion of a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation, landowners may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, an independently chaired Board which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases. The appeals process includes an oral hearing.
The Board heard 17 appeals over the 2013-2014 period. In each case the recommendation of the Board was accepted.
It is recognised that the nomination of a site for designation as a special area of conservation or special protection area may have an impact, for example, on the manner in which certain lands may be farmed. The designation of lands does not mean that the lands are subject to blanket restrictions. However, they must be managed appropriately.
In accordance with the relevant legislation, certain activities in protected sites may only be undertaken with my consent. Compensation may be payable where a person has been refused consent by me for a prescribed activity within a designated site that he or she had been undertaking in the five year period prior to the refusal. However, compensation schemes have generally been put in place, where required, without the need to undergo a formal process under the relevant legislation.
While my Department has the lead role in relation to the implementation of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, significant funding is provided through the rural development programme, operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This programme provides for a range of supports for farmers, including payments in respect of sites nominated for designation or designated in accordance with the Directives. I understand that in future, EU financial supports for agri-environmental actions by farmers in special areas of conservation and special protection areas will be made through the green, low carbon agri-environment scheme (GLAS), to be operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
657. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has had discussions with other Departments or interest groups, with a view to creating greater awareness of our national heritage and culture throughout primary and second level schools; if she continues to have discussions with the Department of Education and Skills in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6079/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of initiatives in my Department that seek to generate increased awareness of our national culture and heritage among interest groups, including schools. The Ireland 2016 Programme to mark the hundredth anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising is a major priority for me. This programme is underpinned by a €4 million current budget in 2015, which will support a wide range of activities across the arts, cultural and educational sectors. In particular, I have been working closely with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, T.D., on the development of the formal education sector input into the Decade of Centenaries commemorations. As part of this overall programme, the Department of Education and Skills is planning a number of specific events to mark the centenary of 2016 across primary, post-primary and third level sectors.
It is very important to me that the arts are made more accessible. Immersing school students in the arts through a targeted strategy will benefit future generations and give young people a greater understanding and appreciation of the arts as they progress to adulthood. I have met my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, on a number of occasions to discuss the Arts in Education Charter. The Arts in Education Implementation Group has been proactive in meeting many organisations from both the arts and education sectors and progressing a number of initiatives. Of particular interest is the current development of a portal, which will form a key communications and information channel for both the education and arts sectors.
The National Cultural Institutions include a diverse range of cultural institutions and agencies, which are involved in a wide number of initiatives with a view to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, both primary and post-primary. Each of these cultural institutions has a range of education initiatives, including exhibitions, events and school outreach programmes, through which schools can explore and engage in our rich cultural heritage.
Another important priority for me is to deliver Ireland's first national cultural policy. Last June, the Government agreed to the drafting of a national cultural policy - Culture 2025 – which will set out high-level policy for the period up to 2025. I intend to initiate a wide-scale consultation process shortly to ensure all interest groups, including the education sector, can make their views known.
There are many other ways in which my Department is supporting arts, cultural and heritage initiatives in conjunction with local groups and communities including schools. These include:
- The St. Patrick's Day celebrations;
- Culture Night;
- The Heritage in Schools scheme, one of many heritage programmes of the Heritage Council, which is supported by funding from my Department.
- The Archaeology in the Classroom initiative.
- The National Architects-in-Schools Initiative, funded by my Department under the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015.
- Funding Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for the promotion of the Irish traditional arts;
- The development of web-based projects by my Department and others to promote greater appreciation and understanding of Ireland's culture and heritage for schools; and
- Funding by my Department to support the work of National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) in developing Creative Engagement an arts and culture programme in post primary schools.
Details on many of the events surrounding these initiatives are available to view on Culturefox, the free online arts events guide developed by the Arts Council.
658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects this country to be used as a film location in the current year; the extent to which she expects new enquiries from overseas in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6080/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra662. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of films in respect of which this country was used as a film location in each of the past five years to date; her expectations in this regard for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6084/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 662 together.
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board (IFB). This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. The IFB is the statutorily independent agency responsible for the promotion and development of the Irish film industry and, as Minister, I have no responsibility in relation to its day-to-day operational matters, including the allocation of resources between the different support programmes and schemes for indigenous productions and incoming international productions.
For detailed information on the supports given and available, I would like to direct the Deputy's attention to the annual reports of the IFB, which are lodged periodically in the Oireachtas Library, and also to the publications by the Board itself on its website www.irishfilmboard.ie.
659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the arts and heritage sector continues to attract support from philanthropists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6081/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrivate support of the arts is very important and the Government supports this through tax incentives and other initiatives. In this regard, my Department introduced small philanthropy schemes in 2012 and 2013, both of which have helped to encourage arts organisations to build partnerships with potential sponsors. My Department also operates small capital grants schemes, which require to be co-funded from private or philanthropic sources.
The Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to reducing the sector’s dependency on funding from the taxpayer and moving it more towards the business sector.
These initiatives assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.
660. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the arts and heritage sectors continue to generate employment throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6082/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe nature of employment within the arts sector encompasses a wide range of activities. It can include those engaged in the arts practice within specific artistic genres and can encompass areas that flow from such artistic pursuits. It may also embody the industrial creative sectors, including audiovisual production. The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to our society and economy. Within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector.
The arts sector continues to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including its funding decisions. Details of all funding provided by the Arts Council to arts practitioners, groups and venues, including arts centres, are available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie
Funding for the protection of heritage sites and buildings will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which will be either directly administered or delivered through local authorities or through the Heritage Council. This week I announced an allocation of €624,000 for the Structures at Risk Fund 2015, to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration and which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000–2012. In 2014, my Department awarded €5 million to conservation works to 540 heritage structures through the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, which directly generated 175 full-time equivalent jobs across the country in the niche conservation sector of the construction industry and in associated areas. I also understand that the heritage grants programmes of the Heritage Council, which my Department funds, generated 19 full-time equivalent jobs in 2014, predominantly in rural Ireland, from a spend of €695,000. Capital investment in built heritage conservation also assists in developing and maintaining specialised skills among conservation professionals and craftspeople.
Research has shown that investment in heritage also generates significant indirect employment. The research report Economic Value of Ireland’s Historic Environment, commissioned by the Heritage Council and published in 2012, established that Ireland’s historic environment supports over 35,000 jobs.
661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which full and final settlement has been achieved in respect of displaced turf cutters in County Kildare, arising from the application of special areas of conservation and national heritage areas; if further issues that remain outstanding are being addressed in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6083/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra159 applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation have been received and acknowledged by my Department in respect of Mouds Bog and 60 applications in respect of Ballynafagh Bog in County Kildare. A total of 235 annual payments, 146 turf deliveries and 20 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Mouds Bog and 86 annual payments, 18 turf deliveries and 9 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Ballynafagh Bog. 66 applicants from Mouds Bog and 25 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of 9 qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. While the site had been available for turf cutting during the 2014 season, turf cutters had not agreed with my Department to cut turf there.
Lattins Bog, also known as Mouds North Bog, in County Kildare, has been assessed as a suitable relocation site for turf cutters from Mouds Bog. My Department had sought expressions of interest from qualifying applicants under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme with a view to relocation to this site. However, the level of interest received in relocation to this site has been muted to date.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), which is available to download from my Department’s website at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Publications, provides details on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas.
Carbury Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of the natural heritage areas which are to be conserved. In the case of this bog, the review envisages the cessation of turf cutting on the site by 1 January 2017 to preserve its conservation value. Turf cutting may continue on the bog until that date, on plots that have been cut in the five year period prior to the Government decision of 14 January 2014 on the NHA review.
To ensure that cutting does not intensify prior to 1 January 2017, owners of plots or of turbary rights who have cut over the relevant 5 year period must obtain a permit to cut from my Department. Contractors are also obliged to obtain permits.
The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been extended to land owners and turbary right holders affected by the restrictions on turf cutting in raised bog natural heritage areas. No applications for compensation have been received, to date, in respect of Carbury Bog.
The NHA review also envisages the complete or partial de-designation of 46 existing natural heritage areas where turf cutting may continue into the future. In these de-designation cases, it is not necessary for individuals to seek consent to cut turf. Hodgestown Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of those de-designation cases.
663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department continues to provide funding for the arts at local and community level, directly or indirectly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6085/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including its funding decisions. In 2015, there is an increased allocation to the Arts Council amounting to almost €59m, as published in December in the Revised Estimates Volume. Details of all funding provided by the Arts Council to arts practitioners, groups and venues, along with the reasons for funding, are available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie. My Department also provides some limited supports for the development of physical infrastructure for arts and cultural facilities through capital grants. The funding of projects selected under the second Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS II) still continues, although the scheme is now closed. My Department also provides small capital grant schemes from time to time, as well as support to local and regional museums.
664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of historic, heritage and protected sites and buildings deemed to be at risk, at present, for whatever reason; the action proposed to address such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6086/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to heritage buildings or sites deemed to be at risk, a single set of comprehensive statistics is not available in respect of the number and location of endangered heritage sites or buildings throughout the country. There is a number of ways in which my Department is made aware of possible risk to protected structures, sites or monuments, one of these being the receipt of applications for funding for their repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding.
In that regard, funding for the protection of heritage sites and buildings will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which will be either directly administered or delivered through local authorities or through the Heritage Council. This week I announced an allocation of €624,000 for the Structures at Risk Fund 2015, to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration and which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2012.
In addition, my Department often receives information relating to existing or potential risks to protected structures, sites and monuments from local authorities, the Heritage Council, heritage-based NGOs and members of the public.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 provides for the protection of the architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive. This Directive aims to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The Habitats Directive has been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
665. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department directly, or through bodies under her aegis, continues to support various festivals or cultural events organised annually or on a once-off basis throughout the country; the amount of such support provided in the past three years to date under specific headings, directly, through the Arts Council or other bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6087/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a key objective for my Department to maximise the economic and employment creation potential of the arts, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors. In this context, it will seek to continue to develop synergies between the arts, cultural, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors, most notably in the area of tourism product development and cultural tourism. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including its funding decisions. In 2015, there is an increased allocation of almost €59m to the Arts Council. Details of all funding provided by the Council to arts practitioners, groups and venues, along with the reasons for funding, are available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie
My Department also funds a small number of festivals and events. Details of this funding over the past 3 years will be forwarded to the Deputy separately.
666. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to extend the hedge cutting time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6120/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity and therefore a review of the current legislation was initiated to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced.
Stakeholders had been seeking an opportunity to input their views on the operation of section 40 of the Acts and I announced, last year, a consultation process which provided that opportunity with a deadline for the receipt of submissions by 9 January 2015.
I have established a Working Group within my Department to consider all submissions received by this deadline. I have asked the Working Group to report back to me with a range of proposals promptly.
Any changes to the closed period for cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation would require amending legislation. It will not be feasible to introduce any potential changes to section 40 of the Wildlife Acts prior to this year’s closed period which commences on 1 March.
667. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a review of section 40 of the Wildlife Act, as amended, or any regulations under the same Act, has taken place, or is under way; the purpose of this review; the purpose of the consultation which took place over the Christmas 2014 period on section 40 of the Act; if amending legislation is planned to be moved, as a consequence, or if a new ministerial order is envisaged; the timeframe envisaged for same; if she will provide all ministerial orders and requests made under the terms of the Act in 2014 and to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6126/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity and therefore a review of the current legislation was initiated to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced. Stakeholders had been seeking an opportunity to input their views on the operation of section 40 of the Acts and I announced, last year, a consultation process which provided that opportunity with a deadline for the receipt of submissions by 9 January 2015.
I have established a Working Group within my Department to consider all submissions received by this deadline. I have asked the Working Group to report back to me with a range of proposals promptly.
Any changes to the closed period for cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation would require amending legislation. It will not be feasible to introduce any potential changes to section 40 of the Wildlife Acts prior to this year’s closed period which commences on 1 March.
No Ministerial Orders were made under the provisions of the Wildlife Acts in 2014 or, to date, in 2015.
668. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the process by which a protected structure can be removed from the record of protected structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6152/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role, as Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with regard to the protection and management of our built and natural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets. Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for the protection of architectural heritage and gives local planning authorities primary responsibility to identify and protect architectural heritage by including structures on the Record of Protected Structures. The making of an addition to, or a deletion from, the Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the relevant planning authority.
