Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I thank the Deputy for raising his important points and for his suggestions.

Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out arrangements for the protection of our architectural heritage. While the planning authority is responsible for adding buildings and features to the record of protected structures, primary responsibility for preventing endangerment of protected structures then rests with the owner overseen by the planning authority. As I set out previously, there is a wide range of supports available to help local authorities and owners to discharge this responsibility.

There may be some parts of Dún Laoghaire Harbour that should be placed on the record of protected structures. The local council is best placed to assist with that.

Investment in our built and archaeological heritage delivers broad public benefits and as the Deputy rightly noted, enhances the character and amenity of our cities, towns, villages, and landscapes, and brings back into use buildings and other assets which currently lie vacant, closed or in a dangerous place. As Minister of State, I will endeavour to maintain and enhance this investment to the greatest extent possible and to ensure that funding is directed where those initiatives which deliver best public value. I take on board what the Deputy has said. I will go back to my officials and see how we can enhance grants that are there or focus a bit more on the heritage of the area.

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