Protecting a building

I know of a house, built in the vernacular style of West Donegal – real and authentic in every detail [it’s last owner died but a few months ago] – yet it seems it is to be bought and demolished to create a site for a new development. I have heard that there is nothing that can be done to assess the impact of the demolition of this building. Is this true ? I am interested to know if there are protection schemes or planning advise available from county coucils concerning such changes to buildings such as this. Does anyone have any insight ??