The Heritage Council Annual Report 2002

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