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

Ireland's archaeological and built heritage is subject to protection under a number of specific legislative instruments. In regard to national monuments legislation, it should be noted that a comprehensive new national monuments Bill is being drafted for publication later this year. While my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, is responsible for policy, oversight and legislation in the planning and development system, my role in planning is set out in the Planning and Development Acts which establish the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as a prescribed body in matters affecting built and natural heritage.

Local authority development plans must include objectives for the conservation and protection of the archaeological and natural heritage, as well as for the protection of structures of special historical, archaeological or cultural interest. My Department provides advice to planning authorities during the drafting and review of development plans for archaeological, architectural heritage and nature conservation issues. This ensures all planning authorities obtain consistent and coherent advice.

In 2011, I reissued the statutory architectural heritage protection guidelines for planning authorities. Chapters Nos. 2 and 3 concern the protection of architectural heritage in development plans, including the protection of individual structures and architectural conservation areas. The issue of the settings of both protected structures and architectural conservation areas is an integral part of the guidelines.

My Department additionally provides a series of guidance documents on the protection of the built heritage. These are prepared with input from a range of relevant stakeholders, including other Departments, the Heritage Council and local authority representation. In this way, my Department works collaboratively to bring consistency to the consideration of the built heritage at local authority level while recognising the need for local democratic decision-making and prioritisation.

I consider the approach adopted by my Department provides an appropriate oversight mechanism for the protection of our heritage within the planning system.

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