Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on taking over responsibility for the 11th century old church ruin within the grounds of Donaghcomper Cemetery, Celbridge, County Kildare with a view to restoring the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32607/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the ruin in question is in the ownership of Kildare County Council who have responsibility for the protection and conservation of the property. Furthermore, as a national monument the property is afforded protection under the National Monuments Acts and the Planning and Development Act 2000. In these circumstances, there is no proposal to take this property into State care.

Under the Urban and Village Renewal Operational Programme 2000-2006, my Department administers a scheme of EU co-financed grants for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. The 2006 grants scheme has closed and a replacement scheme for 2007 onwards is being considered in the context of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The contact details of the promoters of this project have been noted and my Department will contact them in the event of a new scheme being introduced.

My Department also funds the Heritage Council which administers a number of further heritage and architectural grants schemes. Information in relation to these may be obtained from the Heritage Council.