Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2017
312. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has given consideration to the motion passed at Birr municipal district to take a building (details supplied) into State ownership in order to secure its preservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the motion in relation to the building mentioned, which my Department has rated as being of Regional significance on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. As such, the building was recommended for and included in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) by the planning authority. Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities a number of powers to deal with such structures and safeguard their future.
I understand that the building in question is in a derelict condition and is now for sale. This is a commercial matter between the seller and any interested parties in which I have no function as Minister.
My role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the role of planning authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the RPS.
While my Department is not in a position to acquire the building, I understand that in 2008 a study was carried out for the planning authority to look at options for its future. In general I would be supportive of local authorities in their efforts to identify suitable uses to safeguard such buildings into the future.
Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings. These schemes are administered via the local authorities and include the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund. These schemes will operate again in 2018. Details are available on all local authority websites and on my Department’s website.
