Call for new heritage body to extend focus

Campaigners are calling for the Irish Heritage Trust to expand its remit beyond the protection of just big houses.

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday unveiled plans for the new body, which is to be established with Government funding.

The aim of the Trust is to safeguard the future of Ireland's historic homes by buying important heritage buildings that are at risk.

However the National Heritage Conservation Group wants the Government to also commit to protecting smaller structures.

Spokesperson Damien Cassidy says we should mirror what has happened in the North where “more than 200 properties are now in the care of the National Trust”.