Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
95. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress that has been made in delivering the actions under Heritage Ireland 2030, particularly in relation to investment in built and archaeological heritage and supporting local communities in protecting and promoting their heritage; and if he will outline the priorities arising from the mid-term review. [69190/26]
View answerHeritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage strategy, sets out a framework for the protection, management and conservation of heritage to the end of the decade. Structured around three core themes of ‘Communities’, ‘Leadership’ and ‘Partnerships’. Since 2022, historic levels of year-on-year investment in heritage has reflected the Government’s commitment to protecting and conserving heritage and nature, including the allocation of a record €256 million in heritage investment in 2026.
Between 2022 and 2026, over €88.8 million in heritage grant funding was awarded by my Department to support heritage custodians to protect and conserve built and archaeological heritage across the country for the benefit of current and future generations.
Investment to support local communities to protect and promote their heritage has also included continuing development of Local Authority Heritage teams, which play a key role in promoting, supporting and developing policy for heritage at local level.
As well as the ongoing development of Local Authority Heritage teams, the Heritage Ireland 2030 Action Update Report for 2024 assets.gov.ie/static/documents/20250710_Heritage_Ireland_2030_Action_Update_Report_for_2024_EN_A4_Final.pdf, reporting on delivery of actions in 2024, included support for a diverse range of over 1,000 local and community projects and initiatives aimed at protecting and celebrating local heritage.
A mid-term review of Heritage Ireland 2030 is being carried out as a commitment under the plan. This review, which is expected to be published by the end of 2026, will include a revised action plan and a stocktake of heritage achievements, priorities and challenges to 2030.
