Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am aware of the recent list of ‘Ireland’s Top 10 Most-at-Risk Buildings 2020’ by An Taisce and share their concerns about the future of all buildings and structures at risk throughout the Country.

My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.

My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.

This funding will support the owners and custodians of historic and protected structures as they carry out hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage as well as providing vital support for local jobs in conservation, traditional skills and construction. Details of all projects approved for 2020 are published on my Department’s website as well as on each local authority website. However, given the scale of investment needed for larger projects, such as the ones identified by An Taisce, it is likely that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not be sufficient.

The buildings referred to by the Deputy are in local authority ownership. In relation to the first building, I understand the local authority is working to assess the potential to redevelop and find a long term sustainable use for it. As part of this process I am informed that an appraisal of the building was carried out by consultants on behalf of the local authority, a public consultation was held and a report was presented to the local authority in April 2018. Regarding the second building, I understand that an analysis of its structural integrity has been carried out and that further decisions in relation to the future of the structure will be made based on this assessment.

In terms of the support that my Department can offer, my role in relation to protected structures is mainly advisory. As the Deputy is aware, my officials have met with representatives from the Local Authority to discuss this second building. My officials remain available to advise the local authority in its efforts to manage these buildings and see them returned to a sustainable use that is consistent with their significant history and position.

In the context of a particular building or historic structure, the best advice is generally to contact the Heritage Officer or Architectural Conservation Officer in the local authority who is well placed to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with its renovation or conservation.