The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first dedicated Historic Environment Policy, which aims to set out a framework for how the historic environment should be identified, protected, managed and used.
The Department is proposing 17 aims grouped around three outcomes: a well-cared for historic environment, thriving places, and a flourishing historic environment sector.
Why is the policy being proposed?
DfC says there are tens of thousands of heritage assets in Northern Ireland, but only 24% are protected by formal designation.
The condition of the historic environment is also identified as a concern. In the 2023–24 Listed Building Condition Survey, 61.3% of listed buildings were rated Very Good, Good or Average, representing a 24.4 percentage point deterioration over 20 years.
The Department says the rate of decline is accelerating.
Adaptation and reuse
The draft aims include empowering communities to “adapt, enhance and re-use historic assets”, alongside supporting distinctive places and using heritage assets to contribute to wider government priorities.
The policy also seeks to move away from historic environment protection and designation being seen as restrictive, stating that legislation and policy are about “respecting historic character in tandem with managing change”.
Skills and investment
The Department identifies a need to build skills across the sectors involved in sustaining the historic environment. It notes that owners have identified difficulty finding skilled contractors and sourcing suitable materials and says heritage skills could also contribute to the wider construction sector and green economy.
DfC also says responses to the consultation will help inform funding priorities, including heritage-led regeneration, tackling Heritage at Risk, addressing market failure in heritage investment, and supporting town centres, housing and economic development.
Delivery
The policy is intended to cover 2027–2037, with a mid-point review.
DfC would lead implementation but says delivery will depend on multiple organisations and partners, including district councils, heritage organisations, owners and volunteers.
No dedicated funding package is proposed at this stage.
Have your say
The consultation closes on Friday 23 October 2026.
The full consultation details can be accessed here.
RSUA is preparing a response to the consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
