Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
336. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of protected structures that are currently designated nationally; the number assigned this status in the past five years by local authority area as designated under section 202 of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role as Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage in regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), 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 in their area by including structures of special interest on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives local authorities powers to safeguard their future.
While I have the power to make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the Record of Protected Structures, I have no function in relation to the maintenance of these records or in the consolidation of their data such as the question suggests.
