Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the build heritage jobs leverage scheme was a one-off €5 million stimulus package in 2014. It was very successful and leveraged another €10 million in private funding, meaning €15 million was invested in heritage throughout the country. Many projects benefited from it. As things improve I will put the case forward as to why another stimulus package should be funded, to the same extent if not more, if possible. It is a great way to protect our heritage.

Many communities are now involved. The Heritage Council does great work in that respect, and has a great system whereby it has engaged with communities over the past ten years. Heritage is for all of the people and many people are now becoming interested in it. There are many heritage groups throughout the country. It is great that there is so much engagement. Our heritage is part of who we are and where we belong. It is important that it is protected.

In regard to the jobs leverage scheme, some 540 historic structures across every county benefited. Of those, 525 were protected or proposed protected structures, with the remaining 15 located in architectural conservation areas. It hit every county in the country, which meant that everybody benefited from it.