Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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374. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when works are expected to begin and be completed at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30539/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The building in question is recorded on the NIAH with a regional rating. It is also listed on the local authority’s Record of Protected Structures. Under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, each planning authority is required to include a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in its development plan. 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.

There is a number of ways in which my Department acts in respect of possible heritage sites/buildings deemed to be at risk. Financial support has been provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding of protected structures, sites or monuments. Such schemes are administered through the local authorities. No application for funding has been received by my Department in respect of the structure in question.

I understand that the building in question is vested with the Representative Church Body and that a fence was erected a number of years ago by the local authority as a precautionary measure.

The local authority, in the first instance, can advise of funding available for conservation works to protected structures and it is advisable for both owners and interested parties to remain in contact with their local authority on an on-going basis regarding the on-going care and management of such historic assets.