Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

373. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the extent to which he proposes to support, fund and-or develop specific heritage projects throughout County Kildare with particular reference to houses or sites of an historic nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28805/20]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

374. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans for the continued protection of heritage houses or sites nationally with particular reference to those threatened or likely to be threatened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28806/20]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

375. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his proposals to protect, preserve and promote various houses, buildings sites or locations of an historic nature throughout County Kildare with potential use for tourism and education in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 to 375, inclusive, together

My role with regard to the protection and management of our archaeological and architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, including the Planning Acts and the National Monuments Acts, 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). It was announced in June 2020 that 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes. Kildare County Council was allocated a total of €134,000 in respect of 9 heritage projects. Details of projects funded in Co Kildare are set out in the following tables.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme - 2020 Kildare(7 Projects)

Historic Structures Fund - 2020 Kildare

July Jobs Stimulus Package - 2020Kildare

In addition we announced a further €1m under the Government's July Jobs Stimulus Package to expand existing built heritage funding schemes in response to significant demand from communities, to progress actions under Climate Change Action Plan in relation to the built heritage estate and to ensure completion of projects interrupted by the Covid lockdown.

As Minister, I am also the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk. Responsibility for management and maintenance historical buildings and sites in State ownership, and management of related visitor facilities, rests with the Office of Public Works (OPW) which also maintains a significant ongoing programme of conservation works. This year, my Department has allocated €350,000 to the OPW for the maintenance of historic buildings and sites.

My Department recently announced a call for projects under the Community Monuments Fund (CMF), for investment in our archaeological heritage, which is being funded under the July Jobs Stimulus Package. Part of this funding is prioritised for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites and the provision of any required measures to ensure safe access during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total funding available nationally for projects in 2020 is €900,000. The closing date for receipt of applications was 22 September 2020 and approved projects will be announced shortly.

While I have no functions, as Minister, in relation to education or tourism, the Heritage Council, which my Department funds, plays a role, including through the Heritage in Schools programme, the Adopt a Monument Scheme and National Heritage Week, all of which have been operating successfully for a number of years. Full details of all Heritage Council schemes can be found on their website www.heritagecouncil.ie.