Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I am concerned about the damage caused by the theft of metal in recent times. This relates not only to protected structures but also to valuable sculptures and other public art works. This is part of a broader increase in the theft of metals from both private and public spaces owing to increased metal prices worldwide. I am aware this is a matter of concern to the Garda Síochána generally. I understand it has established a metal theft stakeholder forum involving stakeholders affected by this type of crime. Staff of my Department have taken part in the Northern Ireland heritage crime summit organised by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland to share information and experience in dealing with the broader issues around heritage crime, including tackling metal theft.

It is important to get a clear picture of the scale of this threat in respect of protected structures. My Department will be issuing a circular shortly to all planning authorities outlining specific advice on the approach to be taken to address instances of criminal damage to protected structures. The circular will also request that each authority maintain a record of details of any known acts of criminal damage and vandalism to historic buildings and, in particular, protected structures or proposed protected structures within each planning authority's remit.

My Department's architectural heritage protection guidelines include advice on the avoidance of theft of architectural features and vandalism to protected structures. However, the protection of the architectural heritage for both protected structures and architectural conservation areas is primarily the responsibility of the owner and for each planning authority to monitor and enforce. The Department, through its structures at risk scheme, provides limited grant funding for local authorities that can assist with the repair of roofs and other areas of buildings which suffered from criminal damage. In these cases my Department suggests metals stripped be replaced with an alternative material that would not be vulnerable to theft.

As regards national monuments, the great majority are earthworks or structures which do not contain valuable metals. Accordingly, the issue does not impact on monuments generally.

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