Why Our Built and Natural Heritage Matters

In this episode of Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words, we’re talking about the buildings that tell Ireland’s story and the practical steps being taken to protect them.  From churches and libraries to windmills, observatories and thatched homes nearly 700 historic buildings are receiving over €8 million in conservation funding in 2026. Seanad Spokesperson on Heritage Senator Mary Fitzpatrick sits down with Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD on the day he announced this funding, to chat about why built heritage matters They talk about how the Built Heritage Investment Scheme works and what it means for communities right across the country. It including €1.1 million specifically for thatched buildings. When asked what heritage meant to him Minister O’Sullivan said it was once described to him as  Inherited knowledge.  "So I thought that was an interesting definition but I would have always thought, and I think if you ask most people on the street what it means, they would they would consider a heritage built heritage. "So those old buildings, old castles, old churches and ecclesiastical buildings, dotted around country, and we have such a wealth of that. It's extraordinary." This is a relaxed, informative conversation on Fianna Fáil's commitment to funding restoration, supporting traditional skills and making sure Ireland’s built heritage is protected, used and valued for generations to come.