Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

22 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the location and number of heritage houses or sites which are currently under threat due to neglect or other reasons; her plans to deal with the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30052/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I do not have the information requested by the Deputy and have no responsibility for providing information on the condition of buildings.

Under the provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1999, a nationwide survey is currently being carried out by my Department to help identify structures and buildings which are of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. The Government is committed to completing all interim county surveys within the next two years and the complete national inventory within a period of 12 years.

In addition, under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999, each planning authority shall, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, include in its development plan a record of protected structures within its functional area. This legislation places a duty of care on the owners of protected structures and gives planning authorities enhanced powers, not only to deal with development proposals that affect them, but also to safeguard their future. This is the proper framework for the protection of our architectural heritage.