Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
705. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to re-introduce the built heritage jobs leverage scheme in 2015; when the scheme will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15253/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2014 my Department was provided with a special allocation of €5 million from Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme to assist with works to safeguard structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
This scheme was administered directly through the local authorities and sought to encourage the investment of private capital in a number of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craft workers and tradespeople. My Department's allocation of €5 million leveraged a further €10 million in private funding, which led to a total of €15 million being invested in 540 historic structures across the country. Information provided by the local authorities indicates that 175 jobs were created as a result of this scheme.
The operation of a similar scheme in the future would be contingent on dedicated funding being made available to my Department.
