Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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673. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the criteria under the built heritage investment scheme; if an historical site (details supplied) would qualify for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13672/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Built Heritage Investment Scheme was developed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000(as amended). The scheme is expected to support over three hundred projects across the country in 2017 and to create employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.The categories of structures eligible for assistance under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme are as follows:

- Protected structures, i.e. those structures included in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each planning authority.

- Proposed Protected Structures, i.e., those structures that are proposed for inclusion in the RPS of each planning authority but have not yet been formally approved for inclusion. All proposed protected structures awarded funding under this scheme must be added to the RPS by 31 December 2017, or

- Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances are deemed by the Department to apply.

I understand that the structure in question is not on the RPS of the local authority and is not a National Monument. The Circular setting out the terms and conditions for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2017 is available on all local authority websites, and on my Department’s website. Any enquiries about the scheme should be directed to the relevant local authority.

Applications from members of the public for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2017 were accepted in local authorities throughout the month of February and have now closed. The applications will be assessed by each local authority and a final list of projects submitted to me for approval by the end of this month. Successful applicants will be notified by their local authority shortly thereafter.