Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his priorities for heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24802/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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This Government has worked to increase resourcing to the heritage services in order to support Ireland's unique natural and historic resources. My Department’s key priorities for Heritage over the coming years include, but are not limited to:

• a continued programme of acquisition of additional areas of high nature value and key national heritage assets, supporting the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and PfG commitments.
• further development of the NPWS as Ireland’s leading natural heritage agency.
• the development of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan, in consultation and partnership with farmers, local communities and local authorities on voluntary measures.
• continued investment in managing the spread of invasive species.
• working with stakeholders on an all-island basis to conserve, refurbish, and improve access to built heritage and archaeological sites, promoting cultural unity and heritage appreciation.
• continued investment in the Community Monuments Fund, the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
• work to review the 1995 Heritage Act and work to create a Heritage Research Unit within the Heritage Council.
• further promotion and expansion of Dark Sky Ireland national parks and reserves
• incentivise conservation-led investment in the North Georgian core.
• establish initiatives that will protect our maritime cultural heritage.
• Committed review of Heritage Ireland 2030.
• progressing the nomination of more World Heritage sites in Ireland.
• Ongoing strengthening of the Community Monuments Grant Fund.
• The legal priority of commencement in full of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act.