Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the funding for architectural protection grants; if he has satisfied himself regarding the level of funding which is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22056/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In March 2006, I approved allocations totalling €18.56 million on built heritage projects for the present year. This will be spent on the conservation and restoration of some of the premier built heritage properties in the country in public ownership as well as certain privately owned properties. These proposals include a provision of €6 million for the scheme of architectural protection grants administered by local authorities and ensure that the level of funding for this scheme will be on a par with 2005.

My Department also funds and administers a scheme of conservation grants under the Urban and Village Renewal Programme. For 2006, I have approved grants in respect of 70 projects to the value of almost €1.25 million. My Department separately provides grants for thatched buildings. In 2005, grant-aid to the value of €563,000 supported 124 thatching projects.

The Heritage Council, which is funded through my Department, also supports building conservation projects under its Buildings at Risk scheme. In 2006, the Council is grant-aiding 74 projects to the value of €1.2 million.

While I am satisfied with present levels of funding for schemes to conserve the built heritage, all such funding will be kept under review.