Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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274. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if funding is available from the OPW to repair a bridge (details supplied) considering it is a key heritage, cultural, tourism and meeting point for the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), as are the roles of local authorities and 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 in their area by including structures of special interest on the RPS. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) places a duty of care on the owners of protected structures and also gives local authorities powers to safeguard their future. In the case of the bridge in question, I can confirm that it is indeed registered on the RPS of the relevant local authority.

While this issue is primarily one for the local authority, it should be noted that the bridge's inclusion on the RPS allows it to be considered for financial assistance for conservation and repair under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) which are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department. While this year's schemes are now closed, full details of the schemes for 2024 will be made available on my Department's website in due course and an application in respect of the structure in question would be welcome.