A new survey of architecturally-significant buildings in Co Kilkenny has identified 1,861 structures rated to be of "regional importance" and 59 of "national importance".
The county is the latest to be surveyed by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), which is developing a database of buildings of architectural interest throughout the State. To date, 21 town surveys and 15 county surveys have been published.
Launching An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Kilkenny yesterday, Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, said: "There is a greater awareness than ever before of the importance of protecting our built heritage."
He called on planning authorities to ensure that "these structures be included in their record of protected structures".
Mr Roche is sending a copy of the publication to every secondary school in Co Kilkenny and he called on local councillors to utilise the survey in conserving the many items of lasting value in the built heritage of the county.
The survey illustrates an extensive architectural heritage, including nationally-recognised buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, the 18th-century bridges in villages along the rivers Nore and Barrow and lesser-known structures such as the houses at Talbot's Inch, rare examples of the arts and crafts style in Ireland.
The Kilkenny survey can be viewed on a departmental website (www.buildingsofireland.ie) and an illustrated book is available.
Work is continuing on the surveys of remaining counties. The results from Co Offaly are expected shortly, and those from Clare, Longford, Louth, Sligo, North Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford, along with Limerick city, are expected in the next 12 months.
Mr Roche said that the national survey provided a "much-augmented level of protection over the old 'listed buildings' approach". Across the country, over 20,000 structures had already been added to the records of protected structures, he added.