Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2015
670. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will reopen the built heritage scheme, given that the strict time constraints attached to it caused difficulties for groups and individuals to submit adequate applications (details supplied); if she will ensure that the window to apply for the scheme is longer in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45164/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the scheme in question on 21 October 2015 and local authorities were formally notified of their allocations on 23 October 2015. Applications for funding under the scheme had to be made by the applicant directly to the relevant local authority no later than 7 December 2015. This was the final date for applications and cannot be changed.
Each local authority is required to submit a provisional schedule of projects to my Department by 16 December 2015 and these will be assessed before formal approval is given for projects to proceed. However, dependant on final returns by the local authorities this week, I will keep this under review.
The Deputy’s comments have been noted in the event that an equivalent scheme is put in place for 2017.
