Gormley Announces Development of a New Policy On Architecture

gormley_johnSpeaking at the launch of Open House Dublin 2007 by the Irish Achitecture Foundation, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today announced the development of a new Policy on Architecture.

The Minister stated, “It is vital that we continue to recognise the social and cultural importance of architecture in society and promote the achievement of a built environment of the highest quality.” He went on to say, “it is important to respond to the changing nature of issues relating to the evolution of the built environment, and it is in that context that I have approved the development of a new Policy on Architecture.”

The new policy will address issues which have arisen in the years since publication of the first policy. Minister Gormley explained that “It will place more emphasis on sustainable development of the environment and on urban design. It will continue to encourage and support high quality modern architecture. The policy also aims at incorporating architectural heritage in a holistic, integrated manner. Finally, it will develop an action plan which will respond to, and promotes awareness of, all those areas.”

The Minister said that “In the coming weeks I will appoint a Steering Committee with representatives from a broad spectrum of public and private sector nominees, who will oversee the development of the policy. This will be underpinned by three focus groups to specialise on each of the proposed three core themes namely promoting quality in the built environment, promoting sustainability and promoting awareness.

During the development of the new policy on architecture there will be extensive public consultation. Minister Gormley continued “As part of the consultation process, a number of broader nationwide seminars or “think-ins” will be hosted where a range of individuals/organisations involved in the built environment and members of the public will be brought together to discuss the main themes emerging during preparation of the policy.” He added, “It is intended that the policy and action plan would have a six-year lifespan.”