Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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76. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to address the deterioration of Knocklofty House, Clonmel, County Tipperary; the level of engagement he plans to have with concerned members of the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33551/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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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. 

Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).

Its inclusion on Tipperary County Council's RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of Knocklofty House and also gives the Council powers to deal with development proposals affecting it and to seek to safeguard its future. The Council has confirmed that an initial site inspection was undertaken and more thorough inspections will be required internally and externally to determine the appropriate course of action  to ensure that this building is protected. They further advise that they will need to gain access to the building and I understand that the legal ownership of the property is being questioned currently, and is being dealt with through the courts.

My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). I recently announced combined funding of €6m to 562 projects under these schemes. Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year.

On 12 May last, I met with local people to discuss their concerns about Knocklofty House and I stressed that crucial to the future of this structure is the identification of a viable use or uses with sufficient income to ensure its survival. I outlined the financial supports for heritage structures available under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

While I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned may mean that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not, on its own, be sufficient, it may provide some support to safeguard it from falling into further disrepair.  My Department would welcome a grant application in respect of same.

I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage, including at a local level, and I have asked officials in my Department to remain in contact with Tipperary County Council on this matter.