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

The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, and I will make some introductory remarks on the heritage programme, for which funding of over €45 million has been made available. It includes €35.7 million for current expenditure, with a further €9.8 million in capital funding. A further sum of €2 million is available by way of a capital carryover. The protection of Ireland's unique raised bogs and special areas of conservation is a key concern, as is the avoidance of major fines imposed by the European Court of Justice. This is reflected in the allocation of a further €1 million in 2017 for peatlands restoration and management. Priority also continues to be given to the turf cutter compensation schemes and investment in alternative turf cutting sites for the affected cutters. The Government has also committed in A Programme for a Partnership Government to the continuation of current processes involving all stakeholders impacted on by measures put in place to meet conservation objectives and legal obligations on the State under the habitats directive.

The built heritage investment scheme which was based on the highly successful built heritage jobs leverage scheme will operate again in 2017. The scheme aims to protect the built heritage and create and protect employment across the country. Together with the structures at risk fund, it will leverage significant private investment and stimulate labour intensive projects nationwide. Funding for the Heritage Council has been increased by €1 million in 2017 to allow for the continuation of the very successful Heritage Week which will take place from 19 to August 27, as well as equally successful initiatives such as the heritage officer programme, the county heritage plans programme, the heritage in schools programme and the museums standards programme.

The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, will speak about the Estimate as it relates to national parks and nature reserves.