Our built heritage connects our past, present and future, and should be accessible to all. In Budget 2021, I increased funding for heritage by 51%, but there is much more to do. Here, I set out my top priorities for built heritage and national monuments under the Programme for Government, along with additional initiatives I'm progressing under this portfolio. Follow me on social media for updates or contact me directly for details on the progress I'm making.
Publish the all-of-Government heritage policy - Heritage Ireland 2030 - and begin its nationwide implementation
Enhance the network of Heritage Officers and increase the resources available for heritage in Local Authorities
Bring a new National Monuments Act to Government
Ensure that heritage-led regeneration is core to Town Centres First policy
Build on community-led schemes to provide grant aid to protect and maintain historic buildings
Establish a National Traditional Building Skills Centre, to focus on apprenticeships in heritage and craft skills disciplines
Publish a National Architecture Policy
Work with the Department of the Environment towards the eco-retrofit of heritage building stock
Implement the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage
Integrate spaces for nature into new builds and the conservation and/or restoration of existing buildings
See the full list of Programme for Government
commitments on built heritage here (page 90).
