Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on affording official recondition and funding to an organisation (details supplied). [21638/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The 'Heritage Towns' is a Fáilte Ireland tourism initiative, which in turn is under the aegis of the Department of Art, Sport and Tourism. Funding for the Heritage Towns organisation would be a matter for that Department and I understand that this organisation has received funding previously. However, my Department has a Built Heritage Capital Programme which may benefit Heritage Towns. Funds under the annual Civic Structures Conservation Grants scheme are available for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit, which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. The 2008 scheme will be announced early next year.

My Department also 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 which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures. Enquiries about this scheme should be made directly to the relevant local authority.

In addition, my Department has provided funding of up to €2million for 18 Walled Towns a number of which would be members of the Heritage Towns of Ireland. Finally, the Heritage Council also makes funding available for conservation and heritage projects.