Minister of Environment addresses RIAI Annual Conference “Shaping Ireland’s Future”

Mr. John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government today addressed the Annual Conference of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland in Limerick. In his address, the Minister acknowledged the challenges facing the architecture profession in Ireland in the current economic climate and recognised the important role that architects have in shaping Ireland’s future.

The recent publication by Minister Gormley of the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015 Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within the Built Environment formed the backdrop to his remarks and the Minister outlined his belief that the new Policy presented “a dynamic framework for the implementation of public policy on architecture over the next seven years and I am confident that we will reap the benefits of the time, consultation and thought put into the new Policy”. The Minister added that “the architectural profession is a key stakeholder in the development and delivery of the Government Policy on Architecture and I recognise that you have a strong professional and a public service interest in its full implementation.” The Minister also asserted that “the realisation of good architecture is fundamentally about much more than individual buildings. It must also concern itself with the realisation of an acceptable human environment for all.”

The Minister was heartened by the innovative approach of the RIAI and he felt that this positive outlook was reflected in the RIAI’s commitment to ensuring the highest quality architecture. As the designated official registration body for architects in Ireland (Building Control Act 2007), the Minister commended the RIAI for developing the systems now in place to manage the registration process.

The Minister noted the work of professional bodies, including the RIAI in bringing forward professional development initiatives to address emerging skills needs and he stated that “such initiatives are vital to increase awareness and appreciation of architecture and will help to ensure the implementation of the new Government Policy on Architecture.”