Some 85 per cent Irish people believe the Government should offer greater incentives to protect heritage, according to a new study.
A report published by the Heritage Council today claims people are increasingly concerned about the measures in place to protect the State's heritage and that many would be willing to pay more to see it safeguarded.
Heritage Council chief executive Michael Starrett said: "This research shows a huge growth in public support and awareness for safeguarding and protecting our heritage."
Mr Starrett said protecting heritage ranked fifth line for public spending after health and ahead of roads or the arts.
Over 92 per cent of those surveyed agreed it is important to protect our heritage, while 92 per cent think that people should be penalised for damaging heritage (up from 51 per cent in 1999).
Ninety per cent are proud of our heritage (up from 83 per cent in 1999) and 85 per cent agree that the Government should offer more incentives to protect heritage (up from 76 per cent in 1999).
The areas where additional spending was thought to be needed included inland waterways and the restoration of rivers, canals and lakes (29 per cent of respondents); improvement of coastal landscapes (22 per cent), protecting and improving wildlife habitats (12.3 per cent); improved heritage education in schools (10 per cent); and rural landscapes (9 per cent).