COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 08, 2021

QUESTION NO.21

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive what efforts will be made to protect listed buildings and structures within SDCC given the high risks associated with Climate Change?

REPLY:

The South Dublin County Council Climate Change Action Plan includes the following policies;

Action E26 Develop maintenance and condition survey programmes for Council-owned historic and ancient monuments that are informed by climate change impacts; and

Action E27 Conduct research and seek to develop Council-based case studies on appropriate and sensitive retrofitting/energy upgrading of traditional buildings to inform works both to Council-owned properties and to guide private owners. 

As part of the Draft County Development Plan 2022-2028 the ‘Architectural Conservation, Adaptability and Placemaking Section’ a number of policies have been included, this approach is supported in Regional Planning policy and will ensure immediate actions are achievable and that those long-term objectives are in line with Government Policy and Climate Change Adaptation. 

South Dublin County Council continues to support and provide financial assistance to owners of Protected Structures as part of the Governments National Architectural Conservation Grant Schemes.  Owners/occupiers of Protected Structures can apply for grant assistance for thermal upgrading and energy efficiency works under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme which is financed by the DHLGH and administered by the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer, LUPT Department.  The Community Monument Fund which is also funded by the DHLGH provides financial assistance to Local Authorities and private owners to build resilience in our Protected Structures sites which are Recorded Monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. 

The Councils Architectural Conservation Officer will continue to advise owners/occupiers and SDCC in relation to best practice for Thermal Upgrading/energy efficiency upgrading to Protected Structures and on Government Policy under the Climate Change Sectoral Plan for Built Heritage.