Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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432. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant aid that is available for insulation of ceilings and walls in listed buildings; if he will provide a list of companies that work specifically with listed buildings and a list of guidelines on restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I recently announced the introduction of the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme for the repair and conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012. A sum of €5 million has been made available to the scheme under the Government’s Capital Stimulus programme.

The scheme will operate throughout 2014 and will be administered by the local authorities. Further information, including the type of works that qualify under the scheme together with application forms, is contained within circular (BHJLS 13/1) available on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie and on the website of each local authority. Works to improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings include the draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings and attic/loft insulation to pitched roofs may qualify under the scheme.

However, lining or insulating the interior/exterior of walls is not eligible under the scheme as it can have a significant effect on both the character and the physical well-being of a historic building and, in the context of a protected structure, generally will require planning permission and may not be considered appropriate. I would advise the Deputy to contact the relevant planning section or architectural conservation officer in the local authority with any specific queries regarding the technical operation of the scheme. The closing date for applications to the scheme varies between local authorities but is not later than 14 February.

The statutory Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004), reissued by my Department in 2011, contains chapters on walls (Chapter 8) and on roofs (Chapter 9) which outline the general conservation principles that apply to protected structures and to historic structures in general. In addition, as part of an architectural Advice Series, my Department has published a series of advice books, one of which includes practical advice and guidance on energy efficiency in traditional buildings. Both the Planning Guidelines and the Advice Series are also available on my Department’s website at

The recruitment of contractors or companies to carry out conservation work is a matter in the first instance for the owners of protected structures. My Department has no direct role in the employment of contractors, consultants or crafts people and does not maintain a list of companies as referred to in the question.