The Department of Finance will review tax reliefs for historic houses in private ownership following a recommendation in a report brought to Cabinet by Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys.
The report, published today, calls for the prioritisation of a review of a scheme operated by Revenue under section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, allowing tax rebates on repairs to approved buildings and gardens.
Historic houses such as Russborough House in Co Wicklow, Bantry House in Co Cork and Lissadell House in Co Sligo are among the buildings approved.
Prospects
Drawn up by the Department of Arts and Heritage in collaboration with the Irish Historic Houses Association, the report, entitled
An Action Plan for the Sustainable Future of the Irish Historic House in Private Ownership
, contains a plan to improve the estates’ future prospects.
There are around 2,000 such properties across the State. The report says it is “neither practical nor desirable” for the State to fully fund the conservation of houses in private ownership, nor to pursue wholesale acquisition.
“While the Government can help by providing grant aid for conservation works, it is not realistic or prudent for the State to fully fund private houses,” Ms Humphreys said in the foreword.
‘Viable future’
“However, if we want to support owners in securing a viable future for their houses . . . we need to work together. This plan is the first step in that regard.”
Sammy Leslie of Castle Leslie, Co Monaghan and Edward Walsh of Lissadell House were among those who contributed to the report.
Other recommendations due to be prioritised are the development of a Historic House-Living Museum programme for private houses open to the public to help attract more visitors.
The development of a specific visitor promotional programme is also recommended in the report, along with the establishment of a building conservation advisory service for owners of historic houses.
