DfC Report Highlights Deterioration of NI’s Listed Buildings

The Department for Communities (DfC) has published a report documenting research on the condition of listed buildings.

In 2023, DfC’s Historic Environment Division (HED) commissioned a statistical survey of the condition of Northern Ireland’s some 9,000 listed buildings based upon a detailed investigation of a representative sample of 1,504 structures. This survey was conducted by Alastair Coey Architects working with Ecorys.

Key findings from the report include:

Overall condition

• The overall condition of most listed buildings was rated as “Very Good/Good” or “Average” (61.3%).
• This represents a 15.6% decrease compared to the equivalent proportion recorded in a similar survey conducted in 2013–14 (76.9%).
• It also reflects a further 8.8% decline from the corresponding figure in the 2002–05 survey (85.7%).

Reasons for this decline are detailed as loss of historic features and detailing, poor or no maintenance, inappropriate additions or alterations, and overgrown vegetation.

Breakdown by building element

In sum, the condition of Northern Ireland’s listed buildings is worsening, and this trend appears to be accelerating. DfC’s data represents a 15.6% deterioration over ten years and indicates a 24.4% decline over twenty.

If you require further information about DfC’s findings, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk