The Heritage Council Annual Report 2002

The Heritage Council
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