Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide funding for built heritage as provided for under section 80 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. [7883/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The legislative provisions for the protection of the architectural heritage are set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Section 80 of the Act provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may make grants to planning authorities in respect of any or all of their functions under this part.

The Local Authority Conservation Grants Scheme has operated to provide assistance for the conservation of buildings protected under the provisions of Part IV of the 2000 Act. Due to a significant reduction in the budgetary allocation to the built heritage within the vote of my Department, the operation of the scheme has been suspended. My Department is providing limited funding through a "Structures at Risk Fund" in 2011, to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the 2000 Act. Details of the operation of the fund have recently been issued to each local authority.

The Department proposes to undertake a review of the operation of Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This review will include an examination of the funding provided towards the conservation and protection of the architectural heritage.