Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the purchase of a demesne (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6829/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The State has limited resources to acquire, maintain, conserve and present heritage properties, in particular, in the current economic climate. In principle, normal planning procedures and the relevant legislation should be used to give adequate protection to the built heritage.

The purchase of a heritage property by the State would only apply in exceptional circumstances, having regard, for example, to the heritage significance of the potential acquisition and the risk of loss of this significance. The cost of any acquisition, including conservation and ongoing maintenance and running costs, would need to be considered in such circumstances.

In the case of Donaghcumper Demesne the above principles apply and acquisition, by my Department, on behalf of the State, is not considered appropriate.