Written answers

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Architectural Heritage

Photo of Dessie EllisDessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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996. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Aldborough House on Portland Row a listed building is in a state of disrepair; if she will ensure that the owners will fully comply with their obligations to preserve this protected structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29048/17]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My role, as Minister, 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. As Minister, I draw on information provided by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, maintained by my Department, to recommend structures for inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures. However, the final decision is a reserved function of the planning authority.

There is a duty of owners and occupiers to protect such structures from endangerment. Where structures become endangered or unauthorised development has been or is being carried out, the planning authority has the powers to take appropriate action. In respect of the building mentioned, I understand that Dublin City Council remains in contact with the owner in relation to the building.

My Department provided funding of €80,587 to Dublin City Council under the Structures at Risk Fund in 2011 for repairs to the roof of the building in question, to which the Council added €20,000.

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