Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider the acquisition of a protected building (details supplied). [8784/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed that the structure in question is on the Record of Protected Structures, which is maintained by each planning authority under the Planning and Development Act, 2000. As such it is afforded statutory protection under the Act.

In this regard, this Department funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures of architectural significance in the Record of Protected Structures which the Local Authority has listed under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Enquiries about this scheme may be made direct to the relevant local authority.

Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, my Department will also administer a scheme of 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 Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also runs a Buildings at Risk grant scheme. Details of this scheme are available directly from the Council.

My Department does not intend to purchase the structure in question at present as resources are concentrated on maintaining heritage sites currently in State ownership or guardianship and to making grants available towards conservation of structures on the RPS.

In July last year I announced the incorporation of The Irish Heritage Trust Limited, with the mandate of acquiring 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. It provides an alternative to State acquisition of major important heritage properties where there is imminent risk to their heritage value.