The Heritage Council Annual Report 2002

The Heritage Council 

Annual Report 2002 

© An Chomhairle Oidhreachta / The Heritage Council 2002 

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Published by the Heritage Council 

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ISSN 1393 6794 

The Heritage Council of Ireland Series 

ISBN 1 901137 57 0

Mesage from Council 

Chief Executive's Report 


The Plan 2001-2005 

Summary List of Achievements 2002 - Key Achievements of Council 

1. Heritage Information - Collection and Dissemination 

2. Advice to the Minister 

3. Placing Heritage at the Heart of Public Life 

4. Local Authorities and Heritage Management 

5. Raising Awareness and Appreciation of our Heritage 

6. Best Practice in Heritage Conservation and Management 

Financial Statements 2002 

Appendix A: Committee Members 

Appendix B: Grant Payments 2002 

Appendix C: Links 

Appendix D: Heritage Council Publications

Message from Council 

The second full year in my term as Chairperson of Council has been eventful, 

rewarding and above all productive. 

Our annual report for 2002 acknowledges at the very outset the significance of 

Council's first meeting outside the jurisdiction, held in Armagh in June. 

Holding the meeting in Armagh allowed us to build on the Ministerial initiative in 

appointing Primrose Wilson as the first member of Council from Northern Ireland. 

The time in Armagh extended our contacts and friendship in many areas of our 

common heritage and included visits to both of the city's cathedrals. The co-operation 

of Council with partners north and south of the border has been strengthened as a 

result. This is highlighted particularly in work in the areas of architectural heritage, 

landscape policy and the annual museum of the year award. 

Contacts such as these are very rewarding and bring another dimension to the work of 

Council. Heritage, both natural and cultural aspects can be made to have relevance 

across frontiers whether real or imaginary. In its own work and structures Council 

seeks to remove these 'frontiers', some of which can apply to the professions. Our own 

committee structure, without the strategic and policy direction provided in the Plan 

2001-2005 could operate in a professional vacuum. However the focus provided by 

the Plan ensures a most productive contribution to the work of Council from its 

Committees. 

During the year a strategic review of staff resources and work programmes was 

completed as part of the ongoing evaluation of the Plan2001-2005. This was 

complemented by external review of a number of areas of Council's activities all of 

which will help Council to ensure it operates in a most effective, efficient and 

appropriate manner. I look forward in 2003 to reporting on the revision and 

improvements in working practice which will result. 

Council maintained its commitment to its work on policy development, seeking to 

inform this work through enhancing its overall allocation to the grants programme in 

a number of specific areas. This progress can only be maintained through the 

commitment from Government to provide Council with the resources required to 

deliver its agreed programme. Council's financial allocation for 2002 allowed 

momentum to be maintained. 

In concluding this message from Council for 2002, I must acknowledge how 

positively Council views the changes in Departmental structure which followed the 

general election in July. These saw Council come under the aegis of the Minister for 

Environment and Local Government. So much of our work on natural and cultural 

heritage is intrinsically linked with environment and Council itself identifies Local 

Authorities as its key partners. We look forward to an eventful, rewarding and 

productive 2003.

Tom O’Dwyer 

Chairperson.

Chief Executive’s Report 

An examination of Council’s achievements in 2002 clearly illustrates how core 

activities have remained focused on key functions. In policy the proposals on Thatch 

have resulted in a wide range of actions being followed through by those with 

executive responsibility, encouraging further co-operation north and south of the 

border. Similarly the policy proposals on landscape have served to raise awareness of 

the significance and value of this important aspect of our national heritage to our 

quality of life. 

Partnership and co-operation with Local Authorities has seen the number of Heritage 

Officers in post jump to 17 with further appointments pending. This network is a 

fundamental part of Council’s work with its key partners, the Local Authorities. The 

Council’s clearly targeted grants programme saw support for over 260 initiatives 

nationwide with an allocation of €3.3M in total. The benefits of having a full time 

grants administrator in post were clearly evident in 2002 both through the service 

provided to recipients and the quality of applications as a whole. 

The Museum sector continued to benefit from the emerging policy on Standards and 

Accreditation whilst the recently established Marine and Coastal Committee is 

ensuring heritage aspects in this area are effectively considered in Council’s work. In 

co-operation with the Inland Waterways committee the Marine and Coastal committee 

is considering, on Council’s behalf heritage aspects on water management and the 

water framework directive. 

Biological records, and in particular the establishment of a Biological Records Centre, 

provided focus for the Wildlife Committee whilst in Archaeology the thorny problem 

of how best to propose policy for Human remains was dealt with in a sensitive and 

positive manner. 

All of Councils work aims to raise awareness of the significance and importance of 

national heritage to everyday life. This work is targeted at all sectors of society. In 

particular the Heritage in Schools programme continues to grow in partnership with 

teaching organisations with some 460 schools visited in the first full year since the 

programme was initiated. 

As we approach the "Mid-Term" in the life of Council’s current Plan firm foundations 

for our work have been laid allowing us to move forward with confidence into 2003 

and beyond. To assist us a number of independent reviews have been commissioned 

on performance in key areas. The results of these are eagerly awaited as they will help 

shape and guide our work in the future. 

Michael Starrett 

Chief Executive.


The Heritage Council was established in July 1995, under the Heritage Act, 1995, to 

propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and 

enhancement of the national heritage. National heritage is defined in the Act as 

including: 

· monuments 

· landscapes 

· archaeological objects 

· seascapes 

· heritage objects 

· wrecks 

· architectural heritage 

· geology 

· flora 

· heritage gardens and parks 

· fauna 

· inland waterways 

· wildlife habitats 

In particular, the Heritage Act, 1995, charges the Heritage Council with the 

responsibility to: 

· promote interest, education, knowledge and pride in, and facilitate the 

appreciation and enjoyment of the national heritage; 

· co-operate with other bodies in the promotion of its functions; and 

· promote the co-ordination of all activities relating to its functions. 

Council Members 

Tom O’Dwyer, Chairperson, Simon Berrow, Mary Bryan, Con Costello, Ruth Delany, 

Nessa Dunlea, Maurice Hurley, Michael MacMahon, Michael McNamara, Tomás Ó 

Caoimh, Nioclás Ó Conchubhair, William J. Smyth, Virginia Teehan, Primrose 

Wilson, 

Mary Moylan (from November 2002), Patricia Donlon (up to June 2002), 

Bride Rosney (up to July 2002), Clare O’Grady Walshe (up to October 2002) 

Council Meeting in Armagh 

The Heritage Council held its first meeting outside the jurisdiction during a visit to the 

ecclesiastical city of Armagh in June 2002. The aim of the visit was to further 

strengthen North-South links established since the formation of the Heritage Council 

in 1995 and to recognise the important step taken by the Minister in appointing 

Primrose Wilson, a resident of County Armagh. The meeting was hosted by Armagh 

City and District Council in their offices, the former Archbishop’s Palace. The 

delegation enjoyed a guided tour of the main building, chapel and stables and a tour to 

Emain Marcha, the Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive, the

Armagh Club and St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. A civic reception was 

hosted by the Mayor and followed by dinner with members of the heritage 

community, public representatives and officials in the new Marketplace Theatre. The 

guest speaker was conservation architect, Dawson Stelfox. 

The Heritage Council welcomed the opportunity to promote heritage co-operation 

throughout the island of Ireland and appreciated the hospitality shown by the Armagh 

City and District Council. 

Picture of Historic meeting in Armagh in June 2002 (L to R) David McCammick, 

Armagh City and District Council; Primrose Wilson, Council Member; Fr. Tomás 

O’Caoimh, Council Member; Michael Starrett, Chief Executive Heritage Council; 

Cllr Mrs Sylvia McRoberts, Mayor of Armagh City and District Council; Tom 

O’Dwyer, Chairperson of Heritage Council; and Lucinda Blackiston-Houston, 

Chairsperson of CNCC.

The Plan 2001-2005 

Over the period of the Plan, The Heritage Council will seek to protect and enhance the 

richness, quality and diversity of our national heritage for everyone. It will work with 

its partners, particularly at local level, to increase awareness of our national heritage 

and to highlight its importance to public policy and everyday life. 

The Plan 2001-2005 contains 83 specific actions or action areas to be undertaken by 

Council. These actions are grouped under the following six Key Performance Areas: 

1. Heritage information: Collection and dissemination 

2. Advice to the Minister 

3. Placing heritage at the heart of public life 

4. Local Authorities and heritage management 

5. Raising awareness and appreciation of our heritage 

6. Best practice in heritage conservation and management 

Implementing the Plan in 2002 

The chart on next page illustrates the Committee structure which Council put in place 

to implement the Plan in 2002. The four standing Committees are a statutory 

requirement and the establishment of a Finance and Audit Committee represents best 

practice in the governance of State Bodies. Working groups are appointed from time 

to time to oversee or co-ordinate an aspect of Council’s work. Such groups are 

established for a fixed period of time and may include representatives from outside 

Council. 

During the year, Michael Conroy, Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the 

Islands, attended Council meetings in February, April, June and July in the capacity of 

Departmental Observer. Liam O’Connell, Department of Environment and Local 

Government replaced him as observer in October and December. 

Staff – Training and Development 

The qualifications and skills of the staff reflect the broad brief of the Council, 

stretching across the cultural and natural aspects of the national heritage, allowing an 

integrated approach to its activities. The comprehensive training and continuing

professional development programme continues to allow both professional and 

administrative staff to develop their skills and further their knowledge. In addition to 

individual development, training for all staff was provided through: 

· Two Day Team Building Seminar– Mount Juliet, Kilkenny February 18 

& 19, 2002 

· Performance Management Training in Butler House, Kilkenny on 

March 8th 2002 

· Practical Training Seminar on Ecology in the Burren, Co. Clare 31st 

August and 1St September 

· Marine Ecology Presentation on December 17th 2002 

Heritage Council members and staff pictured at a practical training seminar on 

Ecology in the Burren, Co Clare on 1st September 2002. 

The full list of staff is as follows: 

Michael 

Starrett 

Jackie Roberts 

Anne Barcoe 

Mary Hanna 

Beatrice Kelly 

Fionnuala 

Lynch 

Liam Lysaght 

Hugh Maguire 

Martina 

Chief Executive 

(Up to 31st Jan 2002) Personal Assistant to Chairperson and Chief 

Executive 

(From 1st March 2002) Personal Assistant to Chairperson and Chief 

Executive 

Architect 

Education / Inland Waterways 

Grants Officer 

Ecologist 

Museums and Archives Officer (p/t) 

Secretarial Support

Malone 

Paddy 

Mathews 

Planning Officer 

Charles Mount Archaeologist 

Linda O’Brien 

Financial Controller (p/t) 

Gerard O’Hara Financial Controller (p/t) 

Amanda Ryan 

Liam Scott 

Viney Shine 

Secretarial Support 

Human Resources Officer 

Secretarial Support (p/t) 

Elizabeth Sides Marine Ecologist 

Eithne Verling Museums and Archives Officer (p/t) 

Noreen Walsh 

Secretarial Support (p/t)

Summary of Achievements 

Over the period of the Plan, the Heritage Council seeks to protect and enhance the 

richness, quality and diverstiy of our national heritage for everyone. It works with its 

partners, particularly at local level, to increase awareness of our national heritage and 

to highlight its importance to public policy and everyday life. 

Heritage Information – Collection and Dissemination 

· Inventory of Historic Gardens 

· External review of Heritage Council grants for architecture 

· Review of Funding for Architectural Heritage 

· Stained glass window survey 

· Production of a Habitat Mapping Methodology 

· Proposals for a National Biological Records Centre 

Best practice in heritage conservation and 

management 

· Completed restoration of Mayglass Farmstead, Co. Wexford 

· Completed Conservation Plan for Bere Island, Leamonaghan, St. 

Mary’s Church Kilkenny, 

Kilkenny City Walls 

· Produced guidelines for the developing and Marking of Waymarked 

Ways 

· Opened Cosan na Naomh Pilgrim Path 

· Initiated Waterway Corridor Study in partnership with Galway County 

Council, Offaly County Council, Waterways Ireland and Offaly and 

Kildare Waterways. 

· Continued work on St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert, Co. Galway 

· Carried our survey on Dromore Bat Roost 

· Commissioned 28 Conservation Reports in 15 different counties 

· Promotion of Best Practice by Staff 

Placing heritage at the heart of public life 

· Submitted comments on 13 appeals to An Bord Pleanála 

· Assess impact on the natural heritage of Ireland’s CAP Rural 

Development Plan 2000-2006 

· Proposals for the establishment of an agri-environment scheme 

for the more intensively managed farmland 

· European Environmental Advisory Council Conference held in Kilkenny 

Advice to the Minister

The Heritage Council provided advice to the Minister on the following areas in 

particular: 

· Policy paper on Irish Thatched Roofs 

· Policy paper on Ireland’s Landscape 

· Unpublished Excavations in the Republic of Ireland 1930 - 1997 

· A Policy Framework for the Museum Sector 

· Report on Human Remains in Irish Archaeology 

Raising awareness and appreciation of our heritage 

· Awarded 260 Grants in the areas of Local Heritage, Publications, 

Archaeology, Wildlife, Museums & Archives and Buildings at Risk 

· Organised Museum of the Year Award 

· Sponsored Tidy Towns Award 

· Coordinated 66 heritage specialists on the Heritage in Schools panel, 

in partnership with the INTO. Heritage specialists made 460 visits to 

schools in 2002 

· Supported development of web-based project on "The Big House" in 

association with the Library Council 

· Secured promotion of heritage in TV Series 

· Sponsored National Planning Awards and Planning Achievement in 

Conservation Award 

Local authorities and heritage management 

· 2 new Heritage Officers posts in Local Authorities 

· Continued the Heritage Training and Development Programme for 

Heritage Officers 

· Carried out 13 Heritage Appraisals of Local Authority Development 

Plans 

· Contributed €218,651 to the implementation of four County/City 

Heritage Plans (Dublin City, Counties Offaly, Laois and Sligo) 

· Carried out a Natural Heritage Parish Survey jointly with Carlow County 

Council 

· Promote habitat mapping as part of Local Area Plans with Galway 

County council

1. Heritage Information - Collection and 

Dissemination 

Inventory of Historic Gardens 

Facilitated meetings which led to the establishment by Dúchas of a pilot survey of 

historic gardens in County Louth. 

External review of Heritage Council grants for 

architecture 

The external independent review commissioned by the Heritage Council on the 

administration of its architectural grants scheme was completed in 2002. As well as 

making useful recommendations, the consultants stated that the Council’s grants are 

to be "commended in the highest terms" 

Funding study 

The review of financial supports for the architectural heritage commissioned by the 

Heritage Council was completed in 2002. The Council will publish its 

recommendations on the findings in 2003. 

Stained glass window survey 

The Council continued to fund the survey of stained glass in Church of Ireland 

churches in a further two dioceses. This brings to eight the number of dioceses 

surveyed by Dr. David Lawrence and jointly funded by the Heritage Council and the 

Representative Church Body. 

Habitat Mapping Methodology 

The Heritage Council commissioned the development of a Habitat Mapping 

Methodology that it is hoped will standardise initial habitat mapping in Ireland. This 

methodology will form a companion volume to the Guide to Habitats in Ireland, 

which was published by The Heritage Council in 2000. 

Proposals for the Establishment of a National 

Biological Records Centre 

The Heritage Council has agreed a series of recommendations for the establishment of 

a National Biological Records Centre, proposals that have received support from at 

least 20 state agencies, third level institutions and non-governmental organisations. 

These proposals were developed by a Working Group which was tasked with building 

on a commissioned study that outlined a framework for a biological data management

system in Ireland. The proposals also examined the financial implications of the 

establishment of a records centre, and estimated that a fully staffed records centre 

would cost approximately €600,000 annually.

2. ADVICE TO THE MINISTER 

The Council provided advice to the Minister on the following six areas 

Thatch Policy 

On the 24th June, the Council launched its thatch policy document at Johnstown 

Castle, Wexford. Following this publication, the Heritage Council, Dúchas and the 

DOENI have been actively engaged in the implementation of a number of the 

recommendations of the report relating to training, accreditation, insurance, materials 

and an inventory of thatched buildings in Ireland. 

Unpublished Excavations in the Republic of Ireland 

1930 – 1997 

The Council submitted a copy of its report on Unpublished Excavations in the 

Republic of Ireland 1930 – 1997 to the Minister. The Report demonstrates that in 

1997 the backlog of unpublished excavations was 1,358. Council now estimates from 

data published by the Department of Environment and Local Government that the 

backlog has reached 4,753 excavations and may exceed 10,000 by 2006. Much of this 

increase is being driven by the requirements of the National Development Plan. These 

unpublished excavations’ archives represent a substantial national investment, 

estimated by the National Roads Authority to amount to 5% of the total cost of the 

national roads programme alone. They have millions of associated artifacts and 

human and animal remains as well as environmental samples, which require 

conservation, study and curation. For the state to realise its investment in this area it is 

important that this information be made available in an accessible manner to the 

public. This report makes a number of recommendations for developing structures and 

procedures for bringing this situation under control.

Pictured at the launch of the Heritage Council Landscape policy document are 

Michael Starrett, Chief Executive, Ruth Delany, Council Member and Professor 

Willie Smyth, Council Member. The launch took place in the Harbour Master 

Restaurant in Dublin’s IFSC district. 

Policy Paper on Ireland’s Landscape 

On July 9th 2002 Council launched its Policy Paper on Ireland’s Landscape entitled 

‘Towards Integrated policies for Ireland’s Landscape’ in the Harbour Master Bar, 

Dublin. 

The report emphasises the need to look at landscape in its entirety, not at pockets of it 

and likewise, the need to change from the compartmentalised way we treat our 

landscape. There is a need to bring all interests together in an integrated approach that 

considers all elements of the landscape. 

The report calls for a different way of looking at protecting our landscapes. The 

traditional way has been to designate certain areas within a landscape – those of 

particular beauty or archaeological significance, but this is seen as too restrictive. The 

Council points out there is legislation to protect our landscapes, but the report warns 

that lack of resources is making this legislation ineffective. 

A Policy Framework for the Museum Sector 

The Council submitted a prepublication copy of its policy document for the Museum 

Sector to the Minister in November 2002. The essence of the Framework is the 

establishment of a Standard and Accreditation Scheme and a Training Strategy for the 

sector. In line with Action 59 in the National Heritage Plan the proposal seeks 

examination "of the feasibility of establishing an independent Museum Council to 

provide support for museums not centrally funded by the state". The Heritage Council

efers in its document to a Museums Agency with clear articulation of its role vis a vis 

the Heritage Council itself. The Policy document will be published in 2003. 

The importance of this proposal to the Local Authority museums is paramount in 

establishing vision and purpose to guide development in to the future. The definition 

of museum used in the policy framework allows however the widest possible 

participation in the process. 

Report on Human Remains in Irish Archaeology 

The 1990s witnessed a three-fold increase in the number of excavations on burial sites 

in Ireland, resulting from conservation works to historic churches, urban renewal 

works in the form of housing or retail developments, and infrastructure developments 

in the form of road-building and main drainage schemes. In addition, disused 

churches and their burial grounds – especially Church of Ireland buildings – are being 

re-developed for other purposes in increasing numbers. In order to assess the 

implications of this a study on all aspects of human remains in Irish Archaeology was 

commissioned by the Heritage Council in March 1999. This was conducted by 

Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) with the Law 

Department, University College Cork. The study was wide-ranging and consultative, 

taking full account of the law, planning and development issues, public feeling and 

the aspirations of the archaeological community. A first full draft was completed early 

in 2000 and was subsequently widely reviewed. The results and recommendations of 

this report should be considered in drafting future policy recommendations in this 

area. 

Overall, where the archaeology of human remains is concerned, a sea change in 

attitude, practice and policy is needed. A wide range of measures would be required to 

bring this in to being. These would address planning procedures and public 

consultations, site identification and testing, and design solutions for avoidance or 

mitigation. These measures are wholly justified by the special consideration due to 

human remains, by the unusual degree of public feeling which can be aroused by the 

excavation and disposal of human remains, and by the unusually high costs and delays 

to development which can often arise.

Dealing with human remains: a sensitive matter

3. Placing Heritage at the Heart of 

Public Life 

Submitted comments on 13 appeals to An Bord 

Pleanála 

An Bord Pleanála forwarded a number of appeals to the Council for its comment. The 

Council also made a number of appeals to the Board during the year on various cases. 

13 submissions were made to the Board in 2002. 

In working with other State Bodies Council seeks to increase the significance and 

value attached to the national heritage. Council has worked closely with the ESB on a 

feasibility study on cooling towers and an inventory of the ESB property portfolio. 

Review of Ireland’s CAP Rural Development Plan 

2000-2006 

The Heritage Council commissioned the European Forum on Nature Conservation & 

Pastoralism to review the treatment of the natural heritage in the Rural Development 

Plan 2000-2006. The report examines the relationship between agriculture and the 

management of the natural heritage under four measures: Early Retirement, 

Compensatory Allowances, Agri-environment and Forestry. The report also 

comments on the likely impact of the proposed mid-term review on links between 

agriculture and the natural heritage in Ireland. This work will be applied in Council’s 

review of its policy paper on Agriculture. 

Agri-environment scheme for more intensively 

managed land 

The Heritage Council commissioned a study of heritage interest of the more 

intensively managed farmland, and developed costed proposals for the establishment 

of an agri-environment scheme which could be introduced to complement REPS. The 

agri-environment scheme would target those aspects of the farm that were of heritage 

value, such as hedgerows, and would provide incentives for farmers to undertake 

measures of direct benefit to wildlife, such as the creation of conservation headlands 

and rough grassland margins. 

European Environmental Advisory Council 

Conference 

The Heritage Council hosted the Annual meeting of the European Environmental 

Advisory Councils in Kilkenny from 16 to 19 October. The EEAC is a European wide 

network of Advisory Council from across the European Union and from Accession 

Countries. The EEAC co-ordinates the co-operation of the advisory councils in

developing policy advice on pan-European environmental issues. The conference held 

as part of this year’s annual meeting examined the links between nature and 

agricultural policy, and examined ways in which the Common Agricultural Policy 

could be further reformed to expand the rural development aspects of agricultural 

policy to incorporate heritage protection. 

Water management/Water Framework Directive 

In its strategic plan 2001-05, the Council identified water quality as one of its main 

areas for policy development. As part of the process of drafting this policy, the 

Heritage Council will canvass opinion on current water quality and current and future 

water management proposals and is bringing out a consultation document for 

widespread distribution. To assist in this work a working group was set up in January 

2002 with representatives of the scientific, agricultural, NGO and user communities. 

The consultation covers the following areas: 

- The water cycle and main causes of pollution 

- Current status of waters 

- The Water Framework Directive (WFD) - its aims and implications 

- The role of public participation in the WFD 

- Where to get more information. 

While intended to stimulate response, the document seeks to pass on information on 

water quality and management issues, and on the WFD. 

(L to R) Michael Starrett, Chief Executive Heritage Council; Mike Hamell, Head of 

Agriculture and Forestry Unit, DG Environment, Brussels; and Franc Lobnic, 

Chairman of the EEAC and President of the Council for Environmental Protection of

the Republic of Slovenia, at the EEAC annual conference hosted by the Heritage 

Council in Kilkenny.

4. Local Authorities and Heritage 

Management 

The Heritage Officer Programme 

County Heritage Officers are employed by Local Authorities in partnership with the 

Heritage Council through the Heritage Officer Programme. The Programme has 

developed from an initial intake of three County Heritage Officers in 1999 to 

seventeen officers at the end of 2002 with further appointments pending. 

The success of the programme is illustrated through its continuing expansion and by 

the posts being filled on a permanent basis in several authorities. Under the provisions 

of the Government’s National Heritage Plan each local authority should employ a 

heritage officer. The Heritage Council and Local Authorities acknowledge the 

propriety of employing Heritage Officers and consider the only obstacle to be 

financial. 

Heritage Officers manage the heritage function within a county in a strategic and coordinated 

manner. They adopt an integrated approach to heritage, which envelopes all 

aspects of heritage within the overall heritage service. They aim to promote enhanced 

levels of understanding, conservation and preservation by improving the status and 

perception of heritage in their local area. Heritage objectives are identified and 

prioritised in Local Heritage Plans that are formally adopted by Local Authorities. 

The Heritage Officer Function is determined in co-operation and consultation with 

individual local authority preferences. Some of the principal areas addressed by 

Heritage Officers include: 

• Local Heritage Plans 

• Advice and Information for Local Authority Staff 

• Heritage Appraisal of Development Plans 

• Data Collection 

• Liaison 

• Public Relations 

• Public Consultations 

• Strategies, Policies and Projects 

• Promoting pride and raising awareness in heritage 

The Heritage Council provides comprehensive training and networking opportunities 

for Heritage Officers through the Heritage Training and Development Programme. 

The HTDP is an essential support for Heritage Officers considering that Heritage 

Officers have to date been stand-alone operators within their local authority. It is also 

a major element in the incentive package for local authorities. 

Local Authority Heritage Officers 2002

County / City Heritage Plans

During 2002, the first four County / City Heritage Plans were prepared. The plans 

were prepared by the Heritage Forum in each county / city and facilitated by the Local 

Authority Heritage Officer. 

In 2002, the Heritage Council contributed a total of €218,651 towards the 

implementation of four County / City Heritage Plans. The four plans were awarded 

the following amounts: 

Sligo County Heritage Plan: €55,234 

Offaly County Heritage Plan: €38,966 

Laois County Heritage Plan: €34,618 

Dublin City Heritage Plan: €89,833 

Carried out 13 Heritage Appraisals of Local 

Authority Development Plans 

During 2002, the Council carried out 14 Heritage Appraisals of Development Plans 

and Local Area Plans, a number of which were jointly funded by the relevant Local 

Authority. The purpose of the appraisal is to assess systematically, comprehensively 

and impartially, the likely effects on the heritage of implementing the policies in the 

Development Plan. A Heritage Appraisal also helps to ensure that the full range of 

heritage considerations is dealt with through the preparation of the Development Plan. 

Support for Local Authority Projects 

In addition to the heritage appraisals Council has also supported Sligo County Council 

in the Development of a Conservation Plan for the Old Gaol, Sligo and held 

discussion with Kilkenny County Council regarding support for the restoration of 

Woodstock Gardens, Co. Kilkenny.

Restoration of Woodstock Gardens: an initiative of Kilkenny County Council. 

Parish Natural Heritage Survey 

The Heritage Council in partnership with Carlow County Council has initiated a novel 

approach to raising awareness of the natural heritage within the local authority area. A 

botanist has been appointed to the local authority to produce a natural heritage map of 

the resource within the different parishes of Carlow. This project is carried out in 

liaison with the local community and landowners. It is hoped that the information 

collected would be presented in a number of different formats so that the local 

community could benefit from the natural heritage resource of their area. 

Local Area Plans and Habitat Mapping 

The Heritage Council has promoted the use of habitat mapping as an integral part of 

the Local Area Plan process. The use of habitat mapping as part of the Kinvara Local 

Area Plan has been piloted in association with Galway County Council, and structures 

are being developed to ensure that the natural heritage becomes a more integral part of 

the local area planning.

5. Raising Awareness and Appreciation 

of our Heritage 

Grants 2002 

The Heritage Council grants programme is fundamental to it’s work in this area. In 

2002 the Heritage Council offered grants through its programme to 260 grantees. This 

work was facilitated through new material provided by Council’s grants 

administrator. 

Heritage Council/Ford Ireland Local Heritage Grants 

2002 

On July 31st 2002, local projects from around the country were awarded grant aid 

totalling almost €385,000 in recognition of their contribution to 'promoting pride in 

Ireland's heritage'. Under the Heritage Council/Ford Ireland Local Heritage Grants, 95 

projects from 24 different counties received up to a maximum of €9,000 for their 

work. Dr. Tom O’Dwyer, Chairperson of the Heritage Council and Eddie Murphy, 

Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland presented the awards at a ceremony 

in Kilkenny. 

Photograph of Grants Day July 31st, Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

Together with Council Chairperson Dr. Tom O’Dwyer and representatives of Ford 

Ireland (2002 Local Heritage Grants Recipients from Galway) (2002 Local Heritage 

Grants Recipients from Kilkenny) 

A full list of the grants is provided in Appendix B 

Local Heritage Grants 2002 

The purpose of these grants is to encourage local groups to take an interest in the 

heritage that surrounds them, and to enable them to undertake projects which raise 

awareness of that rich and diverse resource. 244 applications were received from all 

26 counties. 

Applications received under the Local Heritage 

Grants 2002 

Of these, 95 projects shared a total of €385,000. A list of payments to projects during 

2002 is included in the Financial Statements. 

Publications Grant Scheme 2002

The Publications Grant Scheme aims to assist the production of high quality 

publications on aspects of Ireland’s heritage. 

139 applications were received. A total of €103,207.22 was offered to 38 publications. 

A list of payments to projects is included in the Financial Statements. 

Archaeology Grants Scheme 2002 

The Council also repeated its Archaeology Grants Scheme in 2002. Under the scheme 

€109,780.75 was awarded to 6 projects. A list of payments to projects during 2002 is 

included in Financial Statements. 

Wildlife Grants Scheme 2002 

The aim of the Wildlife Grants Scheme is to contribute to the collection of data on 

flora, fauna and wildlife habitats, landscapes and seascapes. In 2002, €181,816.84 was 

awarded to 27 projects under the Wildlife Grants Scheme. A list of payments to 

projects during 2002 is included in the Financial Statements. 

Buildings at Risk Grants Scheme 2002

The aim of the Buildings At Risk Grants Scheme is to enable the Council to identify 

the scale and extent of risk to the architectural heritage and to assist it in proposing 

policies and priorities to address the issue. The list also assists Council in prioritising 

projects for grant-aid. 

In 2002, €1,861,851.85 was awarded to 72 projects. A list of payments to projects 

during 2002 is included in the Financial Statements. 

Repairs to the stonework at Castlegarde, Co. Limerick 

Repairs to the roof of Rath House, Co. Kildare

Museum and Archives Grant Scheme 2002 

The aim of the Museum and Archive Grant Scheme is to contribute to the collection 

of data, raising awareness and development of policy in the following areas: 

collections management, museum/archival management, education and interpretation, 

and public services. In 2002, €146,490.92 was awarded to 34 projects under the 

Museum and Archives Grants Scheme. A list of payments to projects during 2002 is 

included in the Financial Statements. 

Museum of the Year Awards (L to R) Councillor Martin Brett, Deputy Mayor of 

Kilkenny; Raymond Keaveney, Director of National Gallery; winner of the Museum 

of the Year Award 2002 and Councillor Teresa Mullen, Mayor of Kilkenny, pictured 

at the Awards Ceremony in Kilkenny on November 28th 2002. 

The 2002 Heritage Council Museum of the Year in 

Association with Northern Ireland Museums Council 

The 2002 Museum of the Year Award organised by the Heritage Council in 

partnership with the Northern Ireland Museums Council was awarded to the National 

Gallery of Ireland. This was the Eleventh year of the award with 38 entries in total. 

The ceremony took place in Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny. Teresa Mullen Chairperson 

of Kilkenny County Council and Dr. Maurna Crozier, Member of Northern Ireland

Museums Council presented the awards jointly. Each category received a cheque for 

£2,500. 

Museum of the Year Award: 

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 

Best Collections Care Award 

The National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks, Dublin 

Best Access and Outreach Initiative Award 

The National Trust in Northern Ireland 

Best Publication for Visitors 

The Dungarvan Museum Society 

Commendations 

The Hunt Museum, Limerick 

Ulster Museum, Belfast 

Irish American Cultural Institute Heritage Award 

Council continues to support the Institute in it’s work in Ireland. The 2002 Heritage 

Award went to Cork City’s Vision Centre. 

President MacAleese with Council Members Maurice Hurley and Nessa Dunlea at the 

IACI ceremony in the State Apartments, Dublin Castle 

Museum of the Year Awards (L to R) Councillor Martin Brett, Deputy Mayor of 

Kilkenny; Raymond Keaveney, Director of National Gallery; winner of the Museum

of the Year Award 2002 and Councillor Teresa Mullen, Mayor of Kilkenny, pictured 

at the Awards Ceremony in Kilkenny on November 28th 2002. 

Caring and Enhancing Heritage Award 2002 

Sneem, Tidy Towns Committee, Co. Kerry 

Access and Interpretation Award 2002 

Ballyreevagh Quarry, Newtown Cashel, Co Longford 

Heritage in School Scheme: 

This project is a partnership with the INTO and has been running since 2000 on a 

nationwide basis. Approximately 460 visits to schools took place in 2002. There are 

66 heritage specialists on the panel. Details of the scheme are available on The 

Heritage Council and INTO websites. 

Heritage in Schools training for specialists took place in Nenagh in January 2002 

Training for all specialists was held in Nenagh in January and the panel was addressed 

on classroom management, visits outside the school, age appropriate materials, 

working with other heritage specialists. Interviews with applicants for the panel are 

held annually in the autumn, and another 23 people were invited to join for 

2003.Historic houses in Ireland 

In support of the Library Council and the agenda of its Branching Out report the 

Council supported a detailed digitisation project covering historic houses in Ireland. 

The common theme of the project was 'The Big House and Landed Estate Life in 

Ireland.' Although the pilot project was largely focused on the collections held by 

public libraries the support of the Heritage Council encouraged the participation in the 

project of Waterford Treasures Museum and Cork Archives Institute. A Cultural 

Heritage Panel, set up by the Branching Out Steering Committee, investigated 

potential methods for enhancing the digitisation of holdings and the possibilities for 

public access. The pilot project attempted to demonstrate the viability of a National 

Digitisation Strategy and allowed for a national profile of digitisation activities, in 

line with Ireland's commitments under the Lund Action Plan and its contribution to a 

European cultural digitisation profile. The project can be viewed at 

www.askaboutireland.com

National Planning Awards 2002 

The Council sponsored the Planning Achievement in Conservation Award as part of 

the National Planning Awards, which are organised by the Irish Planning Institute and 

sponsored by Boots The Chemists. The 2002 Planning Achievement in Conservation 

Award went to Prosperous Community and Kildare County Council for Prosperous – 

Realising the Vision – A partnership scheme for community-led development. 

Kildare County Council and Prosperous Community Council won the Planning in 

Conservation Award, sponsored by the Heritage Council as part of the National 

Planning Awards, organised by the Irish Planning Institute. Pictured at the awards are 

( from left to right ): Rachel Kenny, President Irish Planning Institute; Paddy 

Mathews, The Heritage Council; Mr Martin Cullen T.D. Minister for the Environment 

and Local Government; Christy Casey, Chairman, Prosperous Tidy Towns; and PJ 

Sheridan, Kildare County Council. 

TV Series "About the House" 

In Autumn 2002 The Heritage Council secured a five minute slot dealing with 

heritage matters in a 13 part television series of "About the House" which is produced 

and presented by Duncan Stewart. The purpose of the 5 minute 'slot' was to raise the 

levels of awareness and understanding of the significance and importance of aspects 

of our national heritage. This was achieved by highlighting particular aspects in each 

episode of the popular series. 

Heritage Council seminars/workshops 

Seminars / workshops on the following topics were hosted by the Council during the 

year: 

- European Environmental Advisory Council Conference 

- Monument Monitoring & Grading 

- Aerial Archaeology

- Earthwork Management 

- Stone monument decay 

- Historic Landscape Characterisation 

Support given to lectures/exhibitions/seminars 

The Council supported the following lectures/exhibitions/seminars during 2002: 

• Sponsored the annual ICOMOS Lecture 

• 12th Irish Environmental Researchers Colloquium 

• Archaeology Ireland Conference "Stones and Bones" 

• World Oceans Day 

• 2002 UN International Year of Mountains 

• Colloquium on archaeological excavation at Knowth

6. Best Practice in Heritage 

Conservation and Management 

Restoration of Mayglass Farmstead 

The Heritage Council has supported and financially assisted the conservation of a 

vernacular farmstead, its ancillary buildings and furniture at Mayglass, Co Wexford 

since 1998. The philosophy for the repair of the buildings has involved different 

disciplines and best conservation practice. Some of the techniques used were new to 

conservation in Ireland and the lessons learned need to be shared with the wider 

community. The house is privately owned, though the Heritage Council has a 10 year 

agreement with the owner to undertake conservation and education projects at 

Mayglass. The main house is very small and its contents are fragile, so large numbers 

of people cannot be accommodated for visits. 

The Council wishes to establish a methodology for informing a wider constituency 

about the Mayglass project and disseminating the experience gained, while not putting 

undue pressure on the fabric of the building and respecting its current use as part of a 

working farm. 

Current activities include a publication on Mayglass containing a series of technical 

essays for the professional and the general public to be published later this year. In 

addition there is a project website www.Mayglass.2000.ie. 

At present, Mayglass is providing an invaluable educational tool for specialists in 

architectural conservation. However, to reach a wider audience, the Council is 

undertaking an educational/interpretative project at Mayglass, principally aimed at the 

non-specialist, interested general public, primary and secondary schools, and which 

includes all aspects of the heritage. 

The Council wishes to examine how best to explore a number of themes, and to 

investigate the best ways to communicate: 

• On the buildings of Mayglass and its conservation 

• How life was lived in Mayglass –what the artifacts and furniture etc were used for? 

• Exploring the past through these objects 

• The relevance of these objects to the present, and to sustainable living 

• How Mayglass can be used to explore other aspects of our heritage (e.g. ecology, 

folklore, archaeology) 

Council is at present carrying out research on the range of educational opportunities 

offered by the Mayglass Project; identifying target groups and the potential demand 

and fitting the educational opportunities offered by Mayglass to the needs of these 

groups. Importantly they are examining how best to use the opportunities within the 

constraints of accessing the site – e.g., web-based; distance learning; virtual reality.

Conservation Plans 

Bere Island 

The Bere Island Conservation Plan was completed and agreed by all stakeholders in 

the summer of 2002. This Plan was commissioned in partnership by the Heritage 

Council, the Bere Island Community, and Cork Co Council. It was researched and 

drawn together by MCOSullivan in consultation with stake holders on and off the 

island. The plan provided the backdrop to planning for a viable and vibrant island 

community on Bere and will be published in 2003. 

Leamonaghan 

In 2001 the Heritage Council and Offaly County Council commissioned a 

Conservation Plan for the historic complex at Leamonaghan in partnership with other 

stake holders including the local community and Dúchas the Heritage Service. 

The need for this plan had become clear from two other studies carried out in the 

1990s including a report for the Leamonaghan Development Association. A steering 

group was established which represented the various interest bodies including the 

local community. This group commissioned Margaret Quinlan and Associates to carry 

out the plan which has established that Leamonaghan is 

A sacred place of great antiquity 

A place containing buildings of architectural significance 

A place rich in documentary history and archaeological potential 

A place where there is a strong continuing tradition of devotional 

practice 

A place that possesses a strong sense of a place apart, untouched by the 

modern world. 

The plan was agreed and signed off in November 2002 and a management group 

established to oversee the management of the Conservation Plan. This group consists 

of 3 local representatives, 1 representative of the Heritage Council, 1 representative of 

the Offaly Co Council, 1 representative of Duchas The Heritage Service. 

The City Walls of Kilkenny 

This plan was completed and agreed by all the stakeholders in September 2002. The 

plan was commissioned in partnership with Kilkenny City Council, An Taisce, The 

Dept. of the Environment and Local Government, Kilkenny Archaeological Society 

and Kilkenny Co. Council. 

St. Mary’s Church, Kilkenny City 

This plan was completed and agreed by all the stakeholders in September 2002. The 

plan was commissioned in partnership with the Trustees of St Mary’s, and Kilkenny

City Council, the Gardai, An Taisce, The Dept. of the Environment and Local 

Government, and the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. 

Guidelines for the Developing and Marking of 

Waymarked Ways 

Written by Jean Boydell and produced jointly by the National Way-marked ways 

Committee of Sports Council and the Heritage Council, these guidelines are aimed at 

all groups who wish to develop way marked ways in Ireland. The publication covers 

all aspects of route development, from the initial idea, the setting up of route 

committees, access and insurance, to on-going maintenance and marketing. 

Guidelines on managing heritage along the routes are also included as well as 

information on safety, occupiers liablity and insurance. This book is an invaluable 

handbook for all involved in way-marked ways in Ireland. 

The Heritage Council maintained its contacts with the European Greenways 

Association with the launch of the first European Greenways Prize during European 

Mobility week in September. This award scheme is intended to encourage best 

practise in the setting up and interpretation of greenways across Europe. 

Pilgrim Paths 

Cosan na Naomh was officially opened in June 2002 by John O Donoghue, TD, 

Minister for Arts, Culture and Sport, bringing to two the number of pilgrim paths 

developed under this project – St Kevin’s Way in Wicklow was opened in 2001. The 

Tochar Phadraig and the Turas in Glencolmcille have also received support for 

interpretative materials and infrastructure. Two guidebooks have been published, on 

St Kevin’s Way and Cosan na Naomh, written by Peter Harbison and Joss Lynam. 

Official opening of Cosan na Naomh by The Minister for Arts, Culture and Sport, Mr 

John O’Donoghue T.D. Also in the photo is Beatrice Kelly, Education Officer with 

the Heritage Council 

Beara Breifne Greenway – Irish section of the 

REVER network

Work continued on the planning of the greenway following the march of O Sullivan 

Beare from the Beara peninsula, W Cork to Breifne in the Leitrim Cavan area. Over 

60 community groups were represented at a meeting in Portumna in May 2002 to 

discuss the detail of the project while a chain of festivals running along the route in 

summer 2003 was launched in October, to mark the 400 year anniversary of the 1603 

march. 

Waterway Corridor Study 

The Heritage Council initiated the waterway corridor study in partnership with 

Galway County Council, Offaly County Council, Waterways Ireland, and Offaly and 

Kildare Waterways. The study area covered the Grand Canal from Ballycommon 

westward to the Shannon, and the Shannon from Shannonbridge south to Meelick. 

The aim of the study was to identify how the waterway corridor could be managed for 

the benefit of all: heritage, land and water-based users. 

Council member Ruth Delany and other participants at the Water Corridor Study 

Launch in Tullamore in November 2002 

The study concludes that: 

· the waterway corridor, and the corridor experience, include far more 

than just the navigation channel: they include the villages and towns, 

the landscape, the ecology and the built and cultural heritage 

· the canal and river can create a strong identity and positive images for 

their regions 

· management of canal and river must balance different objectives: 

ecology, landscape, economic development 

· economic, tourism, community and local development initiatives need 

to be integrated, to link environmental practice and the use of that 

environment for local gain 

· the best way of doing that is through properly resourced partnerships 

between stakeholder organisations, including farmers and landowners, 

local authorities and other public sector bodies, local community 

organisations and waterway users

· the Offaly & Kildare Waterways project provides a model for enabling 

local communities to engage in the planning required and for creating 

political will to support environmental protection. 

St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert, Co. Galway 

Work on Clonfert cathedral continued in 2002, supported by funding from the 

Heritage Council. Work carried out during the year included the stabilisation of the 

South Transept, lime mortar repairs to the Romanesque doorway, and improvements 

to the surface water drainage around the doorway. 

The Doorway of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert, Co. Galway – Funded by the 

Heritage Council in 2002 

Dromore Bat Roost 

The Heritage Council purchased a building in 1998 which supports the largest known 

colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats in Ireland. Following the commissioning of a 

management plan for the site, the Heritage Council has initiated a programme of 

ongoing monitoring and research into the habitat requirement of the bats. This project, 

undertaken by Ms Sinead Biggan and under the supervision of Dr. James Dunne of 

NUI Galway, uses radio-telemetry to track bat movements away from the roost at 

night. The results of the work will allow the Heritage Council to make 

recommendations for the favourable management of the entire feeding range of the 

bats using the roost.

Lesser Horseshoe Bat: Council owns Ireland’s largest roost 

Conservation Reports 

The Heritage Council continues to commission conservation reports on the buildings 

it considers for grant assistance. Over the years, Council has found that a good 

conservation report is one of the most effective tools used in safeguarding the 

architectural heritage. A report can be used by an owner to secure funding; it can 

establish the conservation philosophy to be adopted, and provide a framework for a 

programme of priority conservation work. The Council commissioned 28 reports in 

15 different Counties. 

Energy Efficiency in Public Sector Buildings 

The Heritage Council is committed to Government Decision S18020/10/0269 on 

Energy Efficiency in Public Sector Buildings. The Heritage Council undertakes to 

apply appropriate energy efficient measures where they are in compliance with best 

conservation practice. The Heritage Council has consulted with heating, lighting, 

plumbing and carpentry contractors to ensure that its premises are as energy efficient 

as possible. It recently lime-washed the premises to maximise the amount of natural 

light. The provision of door curtains and draught screens has facilitated the reduction 

of heat temperature levels in the natural gas heating system. Every possible initiative 

is examined in the context of ensuring an energy efficient environment.

An Chomhairle Oidhreachta Ráitis Airgeadais 2002 

An tAcht um Prap-Íocaíochtaí Cuntas, 

1997 

Tá an Chomhairle Oidhreachta ar cheann de na soláthróirí atá liostáilte sa sceideal leis 

an Acht um Prap-Íocaíochtaí Cuntas 1997. Chloígh an Chomhairle Oidhreachta le 

forálacha an Achta ó dháta a thionscanta (2 Eanáir 1998) go 7 Lúnasa 2002, tráth a 

tháinig forálacha Rialacháin 2002 de chuid na bPobal Eorpach (Íocaíochtaí Déanacha 

in Idirbhearta Tráchtála) (I.R. Uimh. 388 of 2002) i bhfeidhm. Tá an Chomhairle 

Oidhreachta tar éis cloí le forálacha na rialachán seo ó 7 Lúnasa 2002 ar aghaidh. 

Cuirtear an t-eolas seo a leanas ar fáil de réir an Achta agus na dtreoirlínte a eisíonn 

an Roinn Fiontraíochta, Trádála agus Fostaíochta. 

Gnáis a tionscnaíodh chun a chinntiú go gcloítear leis 

an Acht 

Tá gnáis i bhfeidhm ag an gComhairle Oidhreachta chun a chinntiú go n-íoctar gach 

sonrasc a fhaightear taobh istigh de na teorainneacha ama a shonraítear ar na sonraisc 

nó, más rud é nach sonraítear tréimhse ama ar bith, taobh istigh den tréimhse 

reachtúil. Cé gur ceapadh na gnáis chun a chinntiú go gcloífear leis an Acht, ní féidir 

ach dearbhú réasúnta (seachas dearbhú iomlán) a thabhairt go gcloífear leis an Acht. 

Bhí na gnáis seo i bhfeidhm sa bhliain airgeadais atá á hathbhreithniú agus, i gcás 

íocaíochtaí déanacha, cuireadh na soláthróirí ar an eolas faoin mhoill agus íocadh ús 

leo. 

Soláthraítear an t-eolas seo mar gheall ar an tréimhse airgeadais dar críoch 31 Nollaig 

2002 de réir an Acht um Prap-Íocaíochtaí Cuntas, 1997. 

(a) Gnáis íocaíochta 

Tugann an Chomhairle Oidhreachta íocaíochtaí do sholáthróirí de réir na dtéarmaí a 

shonraítear ar shonraisc nó de réir na dtéarmaí a shonraítear i gconarthaí indibhidiúla. 

Is iad na téarmaí caighdeánacha ná 45 lá (suas go 65 Lúnasa 2002) agus 30 lá ó 7 

Lúnasa 2002. 

(b) Íocaíochtaí déanacha thar £317.43 (£250) 

Líon sonrasc Gnáth-thréimhse mhoille Luach na sonrasc Ús íoctha 

35 60 days £76,362 £581 

(c) Céatadán foriomlán na n-íocaíochtaí déanacha i gcomhthéacs 

íocaíochtaí foriomlána agus an tsuim iomlán úis a íocadh

Ba é céatadán foriomlán na n-íocaíochtaí déanacha, i gcomhthéacs íocaíochtaí 

foriomlána, ná 1.5%. Ba é an tsuim iomlán úis a íocadh i leith íocaíochtaí déanacha ná 

£611.27. 


Príomhfheidhmeannach 

RÁITIS AIRGEADAIS NA 

COMHAIRLE OIDHREACHTA DON 

BHLIAIN DAR CRÍOCH 31 NOLLAIG 

2002 

Clár 

Ráiteas faoi Dhualgais na Comhairle 

Faisnéisiú Leasa Bhall na Comhairle 

Polasaithe Ginearálta agus Polasaithe Cuntasaíochta 

Cuntas Ioncaim agus Caiteachais 

Clár Comhardaithe 

Nótaí leis na Ráitis Airgeadais 

Ráiteas faoi dhualgais na comhairle 

Tá dualgas ar an gComhairle, faoi bhun Alt 21(1) den Acht Oidhreachta, 1995, ráitis 

airgeadais a ullmhú de réir cibé foirme a cheadaíonn an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, 

Gaeltachta agus na nOileán i ndiaidh dó/di dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Airgeadais. 

Agus iad ag ullmhú na ráiteas airgeadais, bíonn iallach ar an gComhairle: 

· polasaithe oiriúnacha cuntasaíochta a roghnú agus iad a fheidhmiú go 

leanúnach. 

· reithiúnais agus meastacháin a dhéanamh atá réasúnta, stuama.

· ráitis airgeadais a ullmhú mar a dhéanfadh comhlacht leantach, ach 

amháin i gcás nach féidir glacadh leis go bhfanfaidh an Chomhairle i 

mbun oibre 

· ráiteas a thabhairt chun a dhearbhú gur úsáideadh cibé caighdeáin 

chuntasaíochta a bhaineann le hábhar, agus aon imeacht ábhartha ó 

na caighdeáin sin a fhaisnéisiú agus a mhíniú sna ráitis airgeadais. 

Tá dualgas ar an gComhairle leabhair chuntais a choimeád, a fhaisnéisíonn go 

réasúnta beacht staid airgeadais na Comhairle in aon am ar leith agus a chuireann ar 

chumas na Comhairle a chinntiú go gcomhlíonann na ráitis airgeadais Alt 21(1) den 

Acht. Tá dualgas ar an gComhairle freisin sócmhainní na Comhairle Oidhreachta a 

chaomhnú agus bearta réasúnta a dhéanamh chun calaois agus neamhrialtachtaí eile a 

sheachaint agus a bhrath. 

An Dr Tom O’Dwyer 

Cathaoirleach na Comhairle 

Nessa Dunlea 

Ball den Chomhairle 


Príomhfheidhmeannach 

Faisnéisiú leasa Bhaill na Comhairle 

Oidhreachta 

Is ceadmhach don Chomhairle, i ngnáthchúrsaí gnó, cabhair airgeadais a cheadú 

d’fhiontair a fhostaíonn baill den Chomhairle nó a bhfuil leas de chineál eile ag na 

baill Chomhairle iontu. 

Thionscnaigh an Chomhairle cleachtais de réir na dtreoirlínte a d’eisigh an Roinn 

Airgeadais chun gur féidir le baill den Chomhairle a leas a fhaisnéisiú, agus cloíodh 

leis na cleachtais sin ar feadh na bliana. 

Rinne na baill seo a leanas leas a fhaisnéisiú in eagraíochtaí ar ceadaíodh cabhair 

airgeadais dóibh le linn na bliana. 

Maurice Hurley, Seandálaí Cathrach, Comhairle Chathair Chorcaí £5,000 faoi bhun 

Scéim na nDeontas Pobail 

Simon Berrow, Grúpa Faire Míolta Móra agus Deilfeanna na hÉireann £4,000 faoi 

bhun Scéim na nDeontas Foilseachán 

Simon Berrow, Fondúireacht Mhíolta Móra agus Deilfeanna na Sionainne £11,385 

faoi bhun Scéim na nDeontas Fiadhúlra

Simon Berrow, & Una Cosgrove £5,745 faoi bhun Scéim na nDeontas Fiadhúlra (ní 

dheacthas ar aghaidh leis an tionscadal seo) 

Níor ghlac na baill seo páirt i gcruinnithe inar pléadh na tionscadail seo agus ní raibh 

aon pháirt acu sa phróiseas cinnteoireachta maidir le deontais a cheadú. 

An Dr Tom O’Dwyer 

Cathaoirleach na Comhairle 

Nessa Dunlea 

Ball den Chomhairle 

Ginearálta 

Bunaíodh an Chomhairle Oidhreachta faoi bhun an Achta Oidhreachta, 1995. Is é 

feidhm ghinearálta na Comhairle Oidhreachta ná polasaithe agus tosaíochtaí a 

mholadh le haghaidh an oidhreacht náisiúnta a aithint, a chosaint, a chaomhnú agus a 

fheabhsú agus chun tuiscint i leith na hoidhreachta a chur chun cinn. 

Polasaithe Cuntasaíochta 

1. Bunús cuntasaíochta 

Modh cuntasaíochta bunaithe ar fhabhraithe a úsáidtear chun na ráitis airgeadais a 

ullmhú, mura dtugtar a mhalairt le fios thíos, agus comhlíontar prionsbail 

chuntasaíochta a nglactar leo go coitianta faoi bhun choinbhinsiún na gcostas stairiúil. 

Glactar leis na Caighdeáin um Thuairisciú Airgeadais a mholann na comhlachtaí 

aitheanta cuntasaíochta, de réir mar a thagann siad i bhfeidhm. 

Is in Euro a áirítear figiúirí na bliana 2002. 

2. Deontais i gCabhair an Oireachtais 

Déantar Deontais i gCabhair an Oireachtais a chuntasú ar bhunús fáltas airgid. 

3. Sócmhainní Seasta Inláimhsithe 

Is é atá i gceist le sóchmhainní seasta foirgnimh, troscán oifige, trealamh oifige, 

ríomhairí agus saothair ealaíne na Comhairle Oidhreachta agus taispeántar iad sin de 

réir costais lúide dímheas carntha. Déantar an dímheas a áireamh i dtráthchodanna 

cothroma bliantúla chun costas na sócmhainní inláimhsithe thar a dtréimhse 

inúsáideachta mheasta a dhíscríobh. 

Is iad na rátaí dímheasa a úsáidtear: 

Foirgnimh 2.5% Troscán Oifige 10%

Trealamh Oifige 20% Ríomhairí 25% 

Saothair Ealaíne Nil 

4. Cuntas Caipitil 

Is é atá sa chuntas caipitil ná ioncam atá le húsáid chun sócmhainní seasta a 

cheannach. Déantar é a amúchadh ar aon dul le dímheas na sócmhainní gaolmhara. 

5. Stoc 

Is é is stoc ann ná stáiseánóireacht agus foilseacháin. Díscríobhtar i mbliain a 

cheannaithe é. 

6. Leasú 

Déantar sócmhainní a fhaightear de thoradh ar léas airgeadais a chaipitiliú agus a 

áireamh i measc na sócmhainní seasta inláimhsithe. Dímheastar iad de réir pholasaí na 

Comhairle. Maidir le sócmhainní a léasaítear faoi léas oibriúcháin, ní dhéantar iad a 

chaipitiliú agus cuirtear de mhuirear an Chuntais Ioncaim agus Chaiteachais iad de 

réir mar a thagann siad aníos. 

7. Aoisliúntas 

Bhí scéim ranníocaíochtaí sainmhínithe i bhfeidhm le Scottish Provident sa bhliain 

2002. Tá an Chomhairle, de réir Alt 20 den Acht Oidhreachta 1995, i mbun scéim 

aoisliúntais a chur ar bun don fhoireann bhuan go léir. Tá an scéim curtha faoi bhráid 

an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus na nOileán le haghaidh a cheadaithe. 

Tá téarmaí na scéime á gcleachtadh ar bhonn riaracháin go dtí gceadófar an scéim go 

foirmiúil. Bítear ag plé le híocaíochtaí agus le ranníocaíochtaí sa Chuntas Ioncaim 

agus Caiteachais, de réir mar a thagann siad aníos. Tugtar sonraí i leith na 

ranníocaíochtaí a rinneadh anuraidh i Nóta 7 leis na Ráitis Airgeadais. 

An Chomhairle Oidhreachta Ráitis 

Airgeadais 2002 

Cuntas Ioncaim agus Caiteachais don 

Bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2002

Clár Comhardaithe mar a bhí ar 31 

Nollaig 2002

Nótaí leis na Ráitis Airgeadais don 

bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2002

PLEASE NOTE: The Grant Payments 

Schedule is currently being updated. We 

apologise for any inconvenience this 

may cause.

Aguisín A: Baill Choiste 

An Buanchoiste Seandálaíochta 

Baill an Chomhairle 

Michael MacMahon (Cathaoirleach), Maurice Hurley, Michael 

McNamara , Fr. Tomás Ó Caoimh, Con Costello 

Ceapacháin an Aire 

Ted Creedon, Michael Gibbons 

Ceapacháin na Comhairle 

Liam Downey, Margaret Gowen, Brian Lacey 

An Buanchoiste Ailtireachta 


Ruth Delany (Cathaoirleach), Con Costeirlappendixa.htmlllo, Mary 

Bryan, Primrose Wilson, Fr. Tomas Ó Caoimh 


Fionnuala May, Christine Casey, Finola Reid 


Paul Arnold, Loughlin Kealy 

An Buanchoiste Fiadhúlra 


Nioclás Ó Conchubhair (Cathaoirleach), Michael MacMahon, Michael 

McNamara, Simon Berrow 


Seamus Kelly, John Murphy, Des Crofton 


Rosaleen Dwyer

Buanchoiste na nUiscebhealaí Intíre 


Simon Berrow (Cathaoirleach), Clare O’Grady Walshe (go Deireadh 

Fómhair), Michael McNamara, 

Nioclas Ó Conchubhair, Ruth Delany 


John Keane, Colin Becker, Daphne Levinge 


Ian Bath 

An Coiste Músaem & Cartlann 


Fr. Tomás Ó Caoimh (Cathaoirleach go Meán Fómhair), Dr.Con 

Costello (Cathaoirleach ó Mheán Fómhair ar aghaidh), Virginia 

Teehan, Dr. Pat Donlon (go mí an Mheithimh), Bride Rosney (go mí 

Iúil) 


Elizabeth Crooke, John Coll, Colum O’Riordan, Dr. Pat Wallace, 

Siobhan O’ Rafferty 

An Coiste Oideachais & Feasachta 


Pat Donlon (Cathaoirleach go mí an Mheithimh), Primrose Wilson 

(Cathaoirleach ó mhí an Mheithimh ar aghaidh), Prof. William Smyth, 

Bride Rosney (go mí Iúil), Nessa Dunlea 


John Quinn, Catherine Gralton, Leo Hallissey 

An Coiste Muirí 

Baill an Chomhairle

William Smyth (Cathaoirleach), Ruth Delany, Clare O’Grady Walshe 

(go Deireadh Fómhair), Simon Berrow, Michael McMahon and 

Nioclás O’Conchubhair 


Leo Hallissey, Cilian roden, Gillian Mills Ted Creedon Robert Devoy 

An Coiste Airgeadais/Iniúchóireachta 


Nessa Dunlea (Cathaoirleach), Dr. Tom O’Dwyer Virginia Teehan, 

Michael Mac Mahon

Appendix C: Links 

Representation on Task Forces, Steering Committees 

Etc. 

· Council of National Cultural Institutions 

· Advisory Committee on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage 

· Inter-Departmental Committee on Government Policy on Architecture 

· Government Task Force on Buildings in Public Ownership 

· Departmental Steering Group to prepare the outline draft heads of Bill 

to Consolidate, Revise and Extend the National Monuments Acts, 1930 

to 1994 and Related Acts 

· Inter-Departmental Advisory Group on the Local Authority Grants 

Scheme for the protection of the architectural heritage 

· Construction Industry Federation’s Heritage Contractors Registration 

Board 

· Irish Architectural Archive 

· National Planning Guidelines Committee 

· Environmental Protection Agency’s National Data Committee 

· Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Resources Working Group 

· British and Irish Archaeological Bibliography 

· Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland’s Working Group on Building 

Regulations and Historic Buildings 

· Forestry Industry Forum of the Department of the Marine and Natural 

Resources 

· National Forestry Standards Working Group of the Forest Service 

· County Wexford Heritage Forum 

· Member on Construction Industry Federation Registration Board for 

Heritage Contractors 

· National Way-Marked Ways Committee of the Irish Sports Council 

International Links 

The Council has a number of ongoing associations and contacts, both formal and 

informal, with advisory and professional bodies across Europe, and beyond, in an 

attempt to learn and develop through an observance of best practice abroad. In some 

instances, Council has officially subscribed to a number of these bodies and 

organisations and actively partakes in their proceedings. 

· Member of Europarc and currently President 

· Member of IUCN 

· Member of co-operative of European Environmental Advisory Councils 

· Member of European Association of Archaeologists 

· Member of Countryside Recreation Network 

· Member of Forest Stewardship Council 

· Chair of REVER INTERREG IIC Project

· Ongoing contact with English Heritage, English Nature, Countryside 

Agency, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Department of 

the Environment (N.I.), UAHS, ICOMOS 

· Working with UK Limestone Pavement Biodiversity Habitat Action Plan 

Working Group on the development of an action plan for conservation 

of limestone pavement in the UK 

· Member of European Greenways Association

Appendix D: Publications 

Our full range of publications can be purchased directly via the Wordwell Limited 

website at www.wordwellbooks.com, or by telephoning Wordwell at 01 2765221, 

Fax: 01 2765207, E-mail: sales.wordwell@indigo.ie. Publications can also be 

downloaded from the Heritage Council's website at www.heritage council.ie. 

About the Heritage Council 

· The Heritage Council – An Introduction and Service Standards 

· The Plan 1997-2000 

· The Plan 2001-2005 

· A Guide to Information held by the Heritage Council 

This Guide contains manuals prepared in accordance with Sections 15 & 16 of the 

Freedom of Information Act, 1997. 

Annual Reports 

· Annual Report 1995-96 

· Annual Report 1997 





Advice to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht 

and the Islands 

· Policy Paper on State Sector Expenditure on Heritage 

· Policy Paper on Agriculture and the National Heritage 

· Policy Paper on Forestry and the National Heritage 

· Policy Paper on the Role of the Heritage Council in the Planning 

Process 6808) 

· Policy Paper on the Future of Ireland’s Inland Waterways 

· Policy Paper on Urban Archaeology and the National Heritage 

· Policy Paper on Heritage Awareness in Ireland 

· Policy Paper on Ireland’s Landscape and National Heritage 

· Policy Paper on Ireland’s Thatched Roofs 

Conference Proceedings 

· Taking Stock of our Ecclesiastical Heritage – Kilkenny, February 1997 

· Policies and Priorities for Ireland’s Landscape – Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 

April 1999 

Consultative Documents

· Consultative Document on the Role of the Heritage Council in the 

Planning Process 

· Consultative Document on the Future of Ireland’s Inland Waterways 

· Irish Thatched Roofs – Is their future a thing of the past? 

Reports 

· Evaluation of Environmental Designations in Ireland 

· An Assessment of the Scientific Interest of the Dune System at White 

Strand, 

Doonbeg, Co. Clare 

· A Report on a Survey of Museums and their Collections in Counties 

Longford, Mayo and Tipperary South Riding 

· Archaeology and Forestry in Ireland 

· Impact of Agricultural Schemes and Payments on Aspects of Ireland’s 

Heritage 

· Regulatory Environment for the Management and Repair of Historic 

Buildings 

· The Introduction of a Standard and Accreditation Scheme for Irish 

Museums 

· An Assessment of Farming Prescriptions under the Rural Environment 

Protection Scheme in the Uplands of the Burren Karstic Region, Co. 

Clare 

· Review of Urban Archaeology Research 

· Urban Archaeological Practice in Ireland 

· Review of Archaeological Assessment and Monitoring Procedures in 

Ireland 

· The Provision of Genealogical Services in Ireland 

· A Guide to Habitats in Ireland 

· Stone Monuments Decay Study 

· Archaeological Features at Risk Report: The recent destruction of 

Ireland’s archaeological heritage 

Joint Publications 

· The Irish Heritage and Environment Directory 1999 (with Archaeology 

Ireland) 

· Sligo Archaeological Guide 

· The Courthouses of Ireland (with the National Inventory of Architectural 

Heritage) 

· Heritage Appraisal of Development Plans – A Methodology for 

Planning Authorities (with Donegal County Council and the Irish 

Planning Institute) 

· Caring for Collections: A Manual of Preventative Conservation (with 

ICHAWI) 

· Archaeology and Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for 

Developers (with ICOMOS Ireland) 

· Dragonflies of Ireland (with the Sciences Division of the Ulster 

Museum)

The Heritage Council Annual Report 2002

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