Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: 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. [36313/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Architectural protection grants in respect of protected structures are available from local authorities. These are resourced by my Department, with an increase in overall funding of 75% from €3.9 million in 2004 to €6.85 million in 2005.

Conservation grants are available directly from my Department, with €1.033 million available in 2005 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 grants having being provisionally approved for 152 roofs.

On 7 November I announced the establishment of a steering group to advise on proposals for governance of the Irish Heritage Trust so that a workable and effective trust can be established as quickly as possible. The steering group is charged with reporting back to me no later than January 2006 and I expect the trust to be established very soon thereafter. The Minister for Finance is considering the provision of appropriate tax concessions to support the trust.

Funding for architectural heritage protection is also provided by the Heritage Council. In addition, tax relief is available under section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of an approved building or garden meeting required opening hours requirements. Further protection is afforded through the ongoing maintenance of the State's own portfolio of historic properties. I am satisfied that, taken together, these provisions afford appropriate support for the conservation and protection of our architectural heritage.