Written answers
Thursday, 3 July 2025
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Architectural Heritage
Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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248. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position regarding any initiatives proposed by his Department that seeks to protect the architectural heritage of Georgian Dublin, and the so-called Georgian core; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36732/25]
Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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250. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position regarding the conservation measures included in the recently published interdepartmental report on the recommendations of the Dublin City Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36734/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 250 together.
As set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act (2000), the planning authority - in this case Dublin City Council - has primary responsibility for the protection of architectural heritage within its functional area.
The mechanisms through which it can exercise this function include designating architectural conservation areas and protected structures, adding relevant objectives to development plans, and protecting character through the development control and enforcement processes. Planning authorities are supported in the exercise of these functions by my Department's National Built Heritage Service.
My Department is aware of the significance of the ‘North Georgian Core’ and the potential that the area possesses. With this in mind, and coupled with the commitments for the area that are outlined in the Programme for Government, my Department is supporting Dublin City Council with numerous initiatives to protect the architectural heritage of the area.
My Department has recently completed a survey of the condition of historic structures in Dublin's North Georgian Core. We will share the results of the survey with Dublin City Council's conservation section so that issues may be addressed through targeted conservation advice clinics or grants.
My Department is partnering with Dublin City Council's conservation section to develop a walking trail of the Mountjoy Square-North Great George's Street Architectural Conservation Area. The walking trail is intended to raise awareness of the special character of the area and its built heritage.
In addition, my Department is funding Dublin City Council to undertake a research project to engage with key stakeholders in order to better understand the barriers to investment in conservation in the area and help design effective supports.
In regard to funding, you will be aware that several large projects within this area have received funding from my Department's Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). These projects are as follows:
- Parnell Sq. Cultural Quarter Phase 1: URDF Allocation €60,443,467
- 15/16 Henrietta Street - Na Píobairí Uilleann - URDF Allocation €9,834,899
- Mountjoy Square Conservation Plan - URDF Allocation €2,726,25041
- Parnell Square - URDF Allocation €665,056
- 11 Parnell Square - URDF Allocation €3,862,500
The Report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Dublin City Taskforce notes the agreed mission to create 'a healthy, vibrant, always-on city that respects its heritage'. It goes on to outline a range of projects, including public realm works and the development of the Dublin City Library, the Abbey Theatre, and the Fruit and Vegetable Market, which will have a major positive impact on the conservation of the city's built heritage. As described above, Dublin City Council will have oversight of the conservation aspects of these initiatives in line with Part IV of the Planning and Development Act. In exercising this role the Council can draw on a wide range of financial and technical supports made available by my Department.
Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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249. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the asks of the Irish Georgian Society in relation to the preservation and upkeep of Georgian Dublin; if he would consider meeting with this group to further these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36733/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Georgian Society is a valued partner to my Department. In recent years they have submitted proposals annually to the Department and have received funding to support the preservation and upkeep of Georgian Dublin.
This year they have received funding of €50,000. An example of some of the activities that are being supported are:
- The IGS Conservation Education Programme
- Conserving your Dublin Period House lecture series
- Obedientia Civium Urbis Felicitas*: Dublin’s Architecture & Planning Conference
My Department works closely with the Irish Georgian Society on an ongoing basis, and endeavours to ensure that the Society's perspective informs the development of relevant policy and funding programmes. A further meeting with the Society is expected to take place in the near future.
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