Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Heritage Council: Discussion

2:55 pm

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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People who visited to photograph old houses, traditional farm yards, etc., did so when those areas were not in the best of condition. They do not like to see that. Perhaps the website could be redone. The owner could be co-operated with on the day the photographer visits. People were surprised to find their properties on-line without being notified, particularly their back gates, back gardens, etc. Could the suggestion of tax rebates for those who are genuinely committed to preserving our culture and heritage be considered?

How does the council determine whether a monument is of national, regional or local importance? With the best intentions in the world, councillors often submit structures to their respective county development plans. A building that has existed for 300 years could be wiped out within half an hour, yet no action has been taken. Will our guests elaborate on this issue?