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

As I mentioned regarding climate action, it is important that we protect our archaeological and built heritage. Many people are not aware that it will be affected by climate change. The heritage section of my Department is very aware of that, however. We are also fund up to 500 projects under the built heritage grant scheme, which will be open through the local authorities in 2020. In addition, we will publish the national heritage plan and hold a heritage forum in Dublin Castle. We will continue to support the Office of Public Work, with which we work closely in tandem in respect of conservation projects at our national monuments and historical properties. Blueways are of great interest in County Kildare, in particular the Barrow blueway, which will be funded and will bring significant economic and social benefits to the county. There is much support in Kildare for the project and we are very pleased to bring it forward under the remit of Waterways Ireland.

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