Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1196 and 1197 together.

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. Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of the architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures, and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future. Given that in this instance the owner is the local authority, Monaghan County Council, it is, therefore, primarily its responsibility to address the issues identified by the Deputy.

The Heritage Council is a statutory consultee under provisions of the Planning and Development Act but is an independent body. Under section 10 (1) of the Heritage Act 1995, the Council, in its own right, can advise a public authority on a heritage building. I have no role in directing the Council under this section. It is a matter for the Council to decide how it prioritises and manages its various responsibilities under the Heritage Act.

Officials in my Department continue to be available to advise local authorities on the conservation, reuse and regeneration of historic structures, where applicable.