John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Heritage officers play an important role in ensuring support for heritage activities and organisations at local level. Since 1999, the Heritage Council, under the aegis of my Department, has developed a partnership programme with local authorities to facilitate the employment of heritage officers. To date, my Department has provided funding of €5.15 million, including this year's allocation of €550,000, to the Heritage Council for the programme. There are 28 local authorities with heritage officers in the programme.

The employment of heritage officers is a matter in the first instance for each local authority. Local authorities that participate in the programme are eligible for financial assistance from the Heritage Council towards the cost of employing a heritage officer. The Heritage Council also organises training courses and seminars that facilitate the professional development of heritage officers.

There is great variety in the projects supported by heritage officers across the country. These projects have included survey work, development control and forward planning, biodiversity enhancement, allocation of heritage grants, and facilitating partner groups and organisations.

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