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

I do not have time to add it up but I will provide Deputy Ó Cuív with the figure.

Let us be clear: the Heritage Council got a 19% increase in funding this year. That is the largest increase in funding the council has received in a long time. The council very much welcomed the increase.

I want to build on the initiatives already announced, including the towns and village regeneration schemes and other schemes because much of the funding has gone into heritage buildings. A considerable amount is available. The Leader programme allows for investment in heritage buildings as well.

6 o’clock

It has been very successful, as the Deputy knows, in developing community projects, many of which involve old heritage buildings that are very worthy of investment. I want to support our heritage because it is absolutely vital and so much a part of where we are and our sense of place. As I said, I was delighted to be able to increase funding for this area for this year. As the economy continues to improve, it is my intention that we have more investment in our heritage.

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