County Waterford, Ireland
Conservation FAQs
TweetThe Planning and Development Acts, 2000 and 2001 and the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 and 2002 are the pieces of legislation relevant to protected structures. This FAQ page is a guide to understanding the protection of structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.
These FAQs are intended as a practical guide. They are not a definitive legal interpretation of planning law. For further information, contact:
Rosemary Ryall
Executive Conservation Officer
Waterford County Council
Tel: (058) 22021
Email: rryall@waterfordcoco.ie
Documents to Download
Conservation FAQs (word .doc, 71 kbs)Appendix 5 - Record of Protected Structures (word .doc, 548 kbs)
Conservation Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Protected Structure?
Where can I find out if my house is a Protected Structure?
Can I carry out works to a Protected Structure ?
If my proposal for the Protected Structure require planning permission, what should I do?
How can I find out more about Protected Structures?
What is the NIAH/Minsters List of Recommendations?
What if my building is on the NIAH?
What funding is available for Protected Structures?
Where can I find out more about Conservation, the Built Heritage and Archaeology?
Who should I contact for more information?
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What is a Protected Structure?
A protected structure (previously known as a ‘listed building’) is a structure or part of a structure that the planning authority consider to be of special interest from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view. Protected Structure status applies to the interior and exterior of the building plus the curtilage associated with the site.
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Where can I find out if my house is a Protected Structure?
Protected Structures are listed on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) on the County Development Plan. This is available on the council website. A copy of this is also available in the Planning Office in the Civic Offices. You can contact the Conservation Officer with any queries you have in this regards.
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Can I carry out works to a Protected Structure ?
Under the planning Act, many minor works to buildings do not require planning. However with Protected structures such works may not be exempt from Planning permission.
An owner or occupier of a protected structure may request a Declaration under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006. This will indicate the types of works that can be carried out without materially affecting the character of the Protected Structure or any element of it. This Declaration is issued by the Conservation Officer.
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If my proposal for the Protected Structure requires planning permission, what should I do?
If your proposals are not exempt, you will require Planning permission. You should refer the the Planning Permission Section and Preplanning Guidance section for advice on making a planning application. Early discussion with a Planner and Conservation officer is recommended. You can arrange this by submitting a preplanning consultation form requesting a meeting to discuss your proposals. The value and significance of the structure has to be established initially. The level of information required is dependent on the complexity and importance of the structure as well as the extent of the intervention proposed. You may be required to submit an Architectural Impact Assessment with your application. For more information on architectural Impact Assessment refer to the the FAQs in the Conservation and Heritage Section.
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How can I find out more about Protected Structures?
Information about how a building becomes a protected structure, obligations of owners and planning authorities powers with regard to same are available in the FAQs in the Conservation and Heritage Section.
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What is the NIAH/Minsters List of Recommendations?
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) conducted an interim survey of structures within County Waterford in 2004. From this survey 1400 structures were considered of Regional importance and the Minister of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government recommended their addition onto the RPS. Details of the survey are available on www.buildingsofireland.ie .You can also contact the Conservation Officer with regard to buildings which may be on the Ministers List of Recommendations for addition to the RPS.
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What if my building is on the NIAH?
This is to be noted on the application form. You can contact the Conservation Officer for advice at preplanning stage with any queries with regard to design.
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What funding is available for Protected Structures?
There are several sources of funding available from various bodies such as the County Council, Heritage Council , Department of Environment. Details of the schemes available can be viewed in the Grants for Protected Structures Section.
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Where can I find out more about Conservation, the Built Heritage and Archaeology?
For more information on this, refer to the Conservation and Heritage section of this website.
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Who should I contact for more information?
If you have any queries with regard to your protected structure, an older building or any conservation issues contact Rosemary Ryall, Executive Conservation Officer, Waterford County Council at (058)22021.
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