The Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities were published in 2004 by the DEHLG and whilst primarily aimed at Planning Authorities, these guidelines are also of assistance to owners and occupiers of Protected Structures, proposed Protected Structures and buildings located in Architectural Conservation Areas.
Sympathetic maintenance, adaptation and re-use can allow architectural heritage to yield aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits even when the original use may no longer be viable.
Conservation can be recognised as a good environmental choice as the reuse of buildings rather than demolition and contributes to sustainability through retaining the embodied energy of buildings and reducing demolition waste. In some cases it is more cost effective to renovate than demolish and rebuild. Conservation also supports employment and skills, and provides for good quality jobs for artisans.
It is the policy of Limerick City and County Council to positively encourage and facilitate the careful refurbishment of Structures of Architectural Heritage merit and Protected Structures for sustainable and economically viable uses.