Sir, – Further to "Dereliction is legalised vandalism for the property-owning classes" (David McWilliams, Opinion & Analysis, September 15th), renewed focus on dereliction and urban blight within the historic cores of Ireland's cities should present an opportunity to champion financial assistance for architectural heritage as a means of facilitating urban regeneration.
Relaunched in 2017 with the specific purpose of reviving historic urban centres, the Living City Initiative provides tax relief for the refurbishment of residential and commercial properties in designated areas of Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford.
In addition, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, funding for which was reduced by a third this year, provides grants for small scale conservation projects throughout the country.
With such a pressing need to address a shortage in housing, now is the time for relevant government departments and local authorities to actively work together in generating greater awareness of financial incentives for the restoration of historic buildings.
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In doing so, adequate resources must be provided for effective implementation and to support reuse of historic buildings to provide new housing.
The success of these initiatives will consequently benefit our built heritage and greatly enhance the character of currently run-down urban areas. – Yours, etc,
DONOUGH CAHILL,
Executive Director,
Irish Georgian Society,
City Assembly House,
South William Street,
Dublin 2.