Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.

The historic towns initiative is a joint undertaking between my Department and the Heritage Council. Historic towns include those of medieval and pre-medieval foundation, plantation towns, planned estate towns and those established around local industries. While almost all Irish towns are historic in origin, the historic towns initiative guidelines state a town seeking to benefit from the initiative should possess significant cultural and heritage assets and have a distinctive sense of place.

Each local authority is invited to apply in respect of one historic town with an indicative minimum population of 1,500 inhabitants. Priority is given to projects that are plan-led and likely to make a meaningful contribution to the heritage-led regeneration of the town.

The existing initiative commends itself fully to market towns for their consideration. While it is not a criteria for funding, all the towns awarded grants can be described as market towns. On 27 February, with the Heritage Council, I announced funding of €1 million shared by six towns under the 2019 programme round. These towns are Kilrush, County Clare, Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ballina, County Mayo, Navan, County Meath, Boyle, County Roscommon, and Nenagh, County Tipperary.

Deputy Niamh Smyth has inquired about the Market House, Castleblayney. Monaghan County Council was granted €140,000 in funding under the historic towns initiative. I am not sure if Macroom has applied for funding but it will be open again next year.

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