Any recognition by Government of the importance of our architectural heritage deserves to be welcomed. For too long, officials and ministers have turned a blind eye to the neglect and destruction of grand properties. And while the formal establishment of an Irish Heritage Trust by Minister for the Environment Dick Roche is unlikely to transform that situation, it may mark the beginning of a more enlightened approach to the conservation of endangered heritage houses and the provision of public access.
There is, however, the whiff of a political "con job" about this development. Far more progress has been suggested by the Government than is being delivered. The commitment, energy and altruism of the new board members cannot be faulted. But the remit of the fine-sounding Irish Heritage Trust is so limited that the institution does not deserve that title. In other countries, the functions of a national trust are far broader. And such bodies enjoy significant autonomy. Here, State funding will be largely confined to tax-breaks of €6 million a year, after an initial injection of capital. Board members will be directly appointed. Schemes will be strictly monitored by the Department of the Environment. And the trust will only acquire and manage major heritage properties that the State does not wish to secure directly.
Publication of a report in 2003, "The Future of Irish Historic Houses", involving 50 properties, provided the impetus for this development. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern lent his support to the project, which was championed by Sir David Davies. Last year, Mr Ahern announced that an Irish Heritage Trust would be established as part of the State's measures to support our heritage. It would operate on a charitable basis. And tax incentives would be provided by the Government in relation to the donation of heritage properties and of endowment funds that would be required to maintain and provide public access to those houses.
Wealthy individuals, companies and corporations in this country have a poor philanthropic record, when compared with their counterparts in other countries such as the United States and Britain. But, then, our taxation system did not encourage public giving in the past. This scheme may help to change that climate, although experience in relation to recent tax breaks and works of art has not all been positive.
An Taisce, the National Trust of Ireland, which concerns itself with the conservation of heritage, both built and natural, has cause for complaint because of its exclusion from the new board by the Government. This, however, may be a passing tiff. And it is unlikely to distract the board from fulfilling its mandate. In spite of strict limitations and financial controls, it can still do good work. Its members may be accused of elitism. But that goes with the territory. The public won't care, provided the entrance fees for the enjoyment of great architecture and fine furnishings are reasonable.