News
UAHS response to proposed budget cuts affecting the built heritage
Read our response to the proposed DoE cuts.
UAHS highlights the valuable opportunities for economic growth which would be lost as a result of the DoE proposals for:
- suspension of listed building grant aid (with the exception of a few narrow categories);
- cessation of Northern Ireland Environment Agency's grants towards funding the acquisition of listed buildings at risk by NGOs;
- suspension of the systematic second survey of buildings, just as it reaches Belfast, forty years after NIEA last recorded the city's buildings;
- reduction in the already weak NIEA events programme.
Evidence gathered by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency demonstrates how listed building grant aid represents significant value for money - 1 has been found to lever 4.7 from other sources.
It represents an increasingly vital economic stimulus, providing a much needed shot in the arm for the construction industry and develops skills for the future green economy.
France and Norway have actually boosted funding allocated to the labour-intensive restoration of the built heritage, recognising the wide benefits gained.
It is widely acknowledged that tourism is one of our few growth industries and that our cultural heritage acts as a major draw for visitors.
Those wishing to make their own comments should email them today to doe.budgetconsultation@doeni.gov.uk