Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 390: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding emergency funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21951/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Limited funding of €650,000 is being provided by my Department through a "Structures at Risk Fund" in 2011, to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. Details of the operation of the fund issued to each local authority in March 2011. The closing date for the receipt of applications under this scheme has passed. No application was submitted by the relevant local authority in respect of the property referred to by the Deputy for funding under the Structures at Risk Fund.

However, an application for funding for restoration works to this property has been made under the built heritage allocation from the Environment Fund. Applications for funding for built heritage projects under this fund are in the process of being assessed by my Department. It is envisaged that applicants will be notified of the decision in relation to allocations within the coming weeks. The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, administers a number of conservation grants schemes, including the Heritage Management Grants Scheme. The closing date for the receipt of applications for funding under this scheme in 2011 has now passed. My understanding is that no application was received in respect of the property for funding under this scheme. A project for repair works to the property may be eligible for funding under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme Ireland (RDP) 2007-2013. There are 36 local action groups contracted on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to deliver the RDP throughout the country. Contact details for these groups can be found on the website of the National Rural Network at www.nrn.ie and the relevant local action group which I understand is Wicklow Rural Partnership Limited can be contacted by email www.wicklowpartnership.ie or telephone 0404 46977 for further guidance.