The new Irish Heritage Trust through which the State will acquire heritage properties in return for significant tax breaks, is to be formally launched by Minister for Environment Dick Roche today. Mr Roche will also announce the full board membership of the trust which includes representatives of the Irish Georgian Society, the Irish Landmark Trust, bankers, conservationists and developers. An Taisce which styles itself The National Trust for Ireland is not represented on the board. Mr Roche will legally establish the trust in Russborough House, Co Wicklow, a mid-18th century Palladian mansion, credited with some of the most exceptional baroque plasterwork in the country.
