Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will visit a location (details supplied); if she will meet with this Deputy regarding the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9808/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners. The property in question is, I understand, owned by the local authority and it remains first and foremost a matter for it.
In terms of the support that I can offer as Minister, my role in relation to protected structures is mainly advisory. My officials remain available, however, to assist the County Council, who own the structure, in any way possible with its efforts to manage the building and see it returned to a sustainable use that is consistent with its significant history and position in the town.
My Department also provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which are administered by local authorities. This year I have allocated €4.3m in total to these schemes. I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned would mean that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes might not be sufficient, and that the local authority intend to seek funding from other sources.
I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage at a local level and I would also be happy for the Deputy to meet with officials from my Department to discuss the location in question. My Department will make contact with the Deputy to make the necessary arrangements.
