Written answers

Wednesday, 4 October 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Departmental Bodies

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the membership of the National Heritage Council; its terms of reference and level of consultation with other heritage groups; the budget for the first 12 months; its policy on the conservation of churches which are no longer required for religious service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31242/06]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Buildings at Risk Grant Scheme operated by the Heritage Council, a statutorily independent body established under the Heritage Act, 1995 and funded by my Department, has been deployed to certain churches which are no longer required for religious service. Enquiries should be made directly to the Heritage Council. The Council is itself broadly based in its membership and has active engagement with heritage NGOs.

The Irish Heritage Trust Limited was incorporated in July this year with the object 'To acquire properties of significant heritage value where there is a risk to such value, so as to provide for their proper conservation, maintenance and presentation; their public enjoyment and appreciation; and public access to them in perpetuity.' The Irish Heritage Trust has been established as a charity (company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital) under the Companies Acts. The Trust provides an alternative to State acquisition of major important heritage properties where there is imminent risk to their heritage value.

The Trust has a strong remit to maximise non-Exchequer resources in support of its activities, to encourage membership and volunteers and to be financially self-sufficient over time. However in its early years the Trust will be reliant on State support and the Government has committed itself to providing support for the Trust in this starting period.

The Directors of The Irish Heritage Trust Limited are Sir David Davies (Chairman), Vourneen Collins, Desmond FitzGerald (Knight of Glin), John Hughes, Samantha Leslie, Camilla McAleese, Mary Moylan, Sean Mulryan, Carmel Naughton, Anne O'Donoghue, Nobby O'Reilly, James Osborne and Primrose Wilson.

The Memorandum of the Irish Heritage Trust Limited requires it to work closely with heritage and other bodies, in Ireland and internationally, concerned in any way with heritage, including but not limited to non-governmental organisations, tourism organisations, development authorities and State and local government authorities.

My Department is providing €0.5 million in 2006 to meet the establishment and initial running costs of the Trust.

It will be for the Irish Heritage Trust Limited to establish its own policy in relation to acquisitions and other matters, including if appropriate in relation to disused churches. The Trust can be contacted at 4 Castle Street, Dublin 2.

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