Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding and grant assistance that may be available for the restoration, renovation and refurbishment of churches and cathedrals; the qualifying criteria and application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45820/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In 2014, my Department was provided with an allocation of €5m Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme to assist with works to safeguard protected structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2014. This scheme is funding works to over 100 churches and cathedrals nationwide. The scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State’s heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow. My Department is currently considering the funding available for the protection and conservation of the built heritage in 2015 in the context of its overall allocation and I will publish details of funding schemes for 2015 as soon as these are finalised.