Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the current funding for architectural protection grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30014/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The scheme of architectural protection grants available to owners of protected structures is administered by local authorities and resourced by my Department. Funding for the scheme was increased from €3.9 million in 2004 to €6.85 million in 2005. This scheme is one of a number of supports for the built heritage. The conservation grants programme under the urban and village renewal scheme provides funding in 2005 of €1.033 million to support projects on buildings of architectural or heritage significance which are in the ownership of public bodies, civic trusts, etc. and are open to the public. In 2005, €700,000 has been allocated in thatching grants by my Department, with 152 grants having being provisionally approved for 152 roofs.

I am also in the process of establishing the Irish Heritage Trust, as set out further in reply to Question No. 148 on today's Order Paper. Funding for architectural heritage protection is also provided directly by the Heritage Council and the council administers certain one-off grants directly on my behalf. In addition, tax relief is available under 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of an approved building or garden. Further protection is afforded through the ongoing maintenance of the State's portfolio of historic properties. I am satisfied that, taken together, these provisions afford appropriate support for the safeguarding of our architectural heritage.