Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
657. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if her attention has been drawn to the current condition of Knocklofty House, Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if her Department have any plans to acquire this property to prevent it from further deterioration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43894/22]
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.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).
Its inclusion on Tipperary County Council's RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of Knocklofty House and also gives the Council powers to deal with development proposals affecting it and to seek to safeguard its future. Last year, the Council confirmed that an initial site inspection had been undertaken and that more thorough inspections would be required internally and externally to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure that this building is protected. They further advised that they would need to gain access to the building and I understand that the legal ownership of the property has been in question, and is being dealt with through the courts.
On 12 May last year, I met with local people to discuss their concerns about Knocklofty House and I stressed that crucial to the future of this structure is the identification of a viable use or uses with sufficient income to ensure its survival. I outlined the financial supports for heritage structures available from my Department under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. While I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned may mean that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not, on its own, be sufficient, it may provide some support to safeguard it from falling into further disrepair.
Earlier this year, I announced combined funding of €8m to 590 projects under both schemes. I was pleased to note that an application for funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme was approved by Tipperary County Council, and Knocklofty House was awarded €10,000 in funding for works to mitigate issues of damp in the structure. Officials in my Department have been in contact with Tipperary County Council and have been informed that these works are to begin on the structure shortly.
I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage, including at a local level. I intend to make contact with Tipperary County Council in the coming weeks, seeking an update on how they intend proceeding on engagement with all relevant stakeholders to maintain this structure.
