A public consultation on a new Historic Environment Fund, aimed at supporting NI's heritage, has been launched.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan launched the consultation aimed at kick starting a wide range of projects and initiatives in the sector.

Minister Durkan explained: "In this period of reduced budgets it is important that we ensure that our funds are targeted where they can make the maximum difference.

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"I am seeking action on four fronts: heritage research - to encourage creative solutions; heritage repair - to encourage the conservation of listed buildings and scheduled monuments; heritage regeneration- to deliver benefits for the community and economy; and heritage revival -to realise the social value of this important resource.

"These tasks are all necessary and they require partnership if their full potential is to be achieved. That is why I want to provide support. Together we can ensure that our heritage is well cared for, is well understood, and is well utilised as the key resource for this region which we all know it to be.”

The Fund will run for four years and will be administered by the Historic Environment Division within the new Department for Communities.

(CD/MH)