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Minister of State Cuffe addresses RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2010 Exhibition and Presentation Ceremony at Farmleigh

22/06/10

At the announcement of the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2010 at Farmleigh Gallery, Farmleigh House this evening (Monday 21 June) Mr Ciarán Cuffe T.D., Minister of State for Sustainable Transport, Horticulture, Planning and Heritage said that “Contemporary Irish architecture is regarded as equal to the best in Europe - proven by completed buildings and the international awards and prizes won by Irish architects of late”.  The Minister also noted that “the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards uniquely recognise the importance of the client’s role in the commissioning and delivery of award-winning buildings for the betterment of the built environment”.

The Minister referred to the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015 and indicated that “central to the Government’s drive to regenerate our economy is the development of the smart economy and the fostering of ‘green collar’ jobs.  The Policy on Architecture complements and supports the Government’s wider economic strategy Building Ireland’s Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal in areas such as research, green enterprise and the development of efficient and sustainable technologies for the built environment”.

In acknowledging the magnificent achievement for this year’s award scheme to attract 182 entries the Minister congratulated all who reached the final shortlist of 55 and declared that “confident, ambitious and forward-looking architects will be important players in spurring growth in our economy and ensuring that growth is sustainable”.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has established a very effective collaboration with the RIAI.  For example, the Department sponsors the Sustainability Award within the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards Scheme.

The awards exhibition will travel to 10-15 venues around Ireland, to London and South America promoting the work of Irish architects, quality in Irish architecture and public interest in the issues affecting quality within our built environment.  Further information is available at www.irisharchitectureawards.ie.


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