"Architecture contributes to a better quality of living environment for all our citizens", according to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Dick Roche T.D. The Minister was speaking today at the presentation of the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2004 in the Atrium, OPW, St. Stephens Green Dublin. The Minister was presenting the Most Sustainable Building Award which is sponsored by his Department.

Dick Roche T.D

Referring to the programme Action on Architecture 2002-2005, the Minister said that he was very pleased to announce progress in implementing one of the major recommendations in the programme – namely the establishment of an Architectural Foundation of Ireland.

Shane O'Toole

The Minister explained that initial core funding for the Foundation will be made available by his Department, the Arts Council and the Office of Public Works. Key partners are the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, the Architectural Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and the Irish Architectural Archive.

Minister Roche added that, "The primary objective of the Foundation will be to increase the understanding and impact of contemporary architecture in Ireland and to excite a wider public to its aesthetic and cultural value. The Foundation will be committed to developing an annual programme to achieve this goal".

One exciting initiative will be the development and running of an annual festival in architecture. There will be an evaluation of the long term need for a national Architecture Centre. The Minister wished Shane O'Toole, who has recently been designated as Curator for the Foundation, every success in his post.