Tramore Local Area Plan - Waterford County Council

Chapter 9: The Built Environment9.1 Architectural Heritage9.1.1 Legal and Policy Frameworks to protect Architectural HeritageIn the context of international initiatives such as UNESCO’s ConventionConcerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage ratifiedby Ireland in 1991 and the Grenada Convention ratified by Ireland in 1997, theGovernment has legislated for the increased protection of the architecturalheritage.The Planning and Development Act 2000 Part IV- Records of Protected Structures (RPS)- Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs)National Monuments Act 1930-2004− National Monuments− Record of Monuments and Places9.1.2 Record of Protected StructuresWhat is aProtectedStructure?A protected structure or proposed protected structure is one that a PlanningAuthority considers to be of special architectural, historical, archaeological,artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest and includes the exteriorand interior fixtures, fittings and curtilage of the structure. Any works, whichwould materially affect the character of a protected structure, would requireplanning permission 2 .The Record of Protected Structures is included in Appendix D. There are afurther 199 structures recommended by the Minister for the EnvironmentHeritage and Local Government for inclusion in the RPS for the Tramore area.A Full Record of the Protected Structures is kept in the Council Offices and canalso be viewed on the Waterford County Council Website. Additions ordeletions can be made to the Record of Protected Structures throughout the lifetime of the Plan.9.1.3 Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)What is anArchitecturalConservationArea?An ACA designation identifies what is special to an area and provides forpolicies and objectives that would promote and enhance its character. An ACAis a place, area, group of structures or townscapes of special architectural,historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.2 The leaflet A Guide to Architectural Heritage published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment is a practical guide to understanding the protection of structures of special interest and is available from theCouncil’s Conservation Officer.64