Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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138. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department will consider providing assistance in funding the purchase of a building (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46434/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Given the many competing priorities for funding the national heritage, resources are not available from my Department to consider the purchase of the building referred to by the Deputy. While the arts, culture and film division of my Department does provide some capital funding for cultural infrastructure and development, the level of funding has been limited in recent years and is not available for the purchase of buildings or land. My role, as Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with regard to the protection and management of our built and natural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, together with the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.

Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of architectural heritage and gives local planning authorities primary responsibility to identify and protect architectural heritage by including structures on the Record of Protected Structures. I understand that the building in question is listed on the Record of Protected Structures of Cork County Council and is, therefore, afforded protection under the Act.