Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Architectural Heritage

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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744. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on concerns in regard to the protection of three historic buildings (details supplied) in County Kildare; the actions she proposes or agreed with local authorities or private owners to ensure the protection of such buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46038/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My role as Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are 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. 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.

The two structures referred to by the Deputy are included on the Record of Protected Structures, while 11 structures at the other location referred to are listed. That location is also is in the local Architectural Conservation Area. It is a matter for Kildare County Council to address the issues raised by the Deputy in terms of compliance with the Planning and Development Acts.

The two structures referred to are also included on the Record of Monuments and Places maintained by my Department under section 12 of the National Monuments Acts 1930, as amended. As a consequence, any proposal to carry works at or in relation to the monuments is required to be notified to me not less than 2 months before the works commence.

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