In a submission made to the upcoming National Heritage Plan, Green Party Candidate, Louise Heavin, called on the government to improve support for people buying and renovating older buildings.
The fabric of historic buildings in Irish market towns is crumbling in many parts of the country. These buildings form the unique character of the towns and villages they are in. Without them they become much more generic locations. The restoration and reuse of these buildings should be a priority. People and community groups who would like to buy and repurpose these buildings need support as these projects can be more difficult to finance than newer buildings.
In the submission Ms. Heavin also called for increased measures to improve our biodiversity and natural heritage including restoration of our boglands and reforestation using native Irish trees.