Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grants available for restoration and repair of chimneys in listed buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36964/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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There is no specific grant available for the restoration and repair of chimneys in protected structures (i.e. those structures offered specific protection under the Planning and Development Act 2000). However, there are certain general grants to assist in the conservation and repair of protected structures that could include such specific works. In 2011, I am providing €650,000 through a "Structures at Risk Fund" to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts. However, that allocation is now fully committed.

The Heritage Council, which is funded by the Department, also administers a number of conservation grants schemes, which provide assistance to protected structures. In this regard, the Deputy may wish to contact the Heritage Council or to view its website at www.heritagecouncil.ie for further details.

The level of funding available in 2012 to provide financial assistance to heritage projects will be subject to the normal budgetary and Estimates processes. I hope to finalise the allocations once final budgetary decisions are made.