Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the protection of Ireland's architectural heritage local agenda 21. [22569/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland and guidelines for Local Agenda 21 issued by my Department, local authorities are encouraged to complete Local Agenda Plans for their areas, including provision in development plans of objectives with regard to the preservation of amenities including the built environment and urban renewal programmes to protect and enhance urban heritage and architecture.

The Planning and Development Act 2000, which provides an enhanced focus on sustainable development, contains detailed provisions under Part IV for the protection and conservation of the architectural heritage. In addition, the local authorities administer a grant scheme totalling €6 million in 2006 which supports the conservation of structures protected under Part IV. These provisions are consistent with the approach promoted through Local Agenda 21.