Annual Report 2003 Part One - The Heritage Council

THE HERITAGE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 

AN CHOMHAIRLE OIDHREACHTA TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 

2003 

AN 

CHOMHAIRLE 

OIDHREACHTA 

THE 

HERITAGE 

COUNCIL

Table of Contents 

Page 3 

MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL 4 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT 5 

THE HERITAGE COUNCIL 2003 6 

Council Members 6 

Council Meeting in Sligo 9 

Heritage Council Headquarters 9 

Review of Heritage Act 1995 9 

The Plan 2001 - 2005 10 

SUMMARY LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS 2003 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COUNCIL 12 

HERITAGE INFORMATION-COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION 14 

ADVICE TO THE MINISTER 15 

PLACING HERITAGE AT THE HEART OF PUBLIC LIFE 16 

LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT 18 

LOCAL HERITAGE GRANTS SCHEME 2003 FUNDED IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORDIRELAND 21 

BEST PRACTICE IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 26 

CORPORATE GOVERANCE 28 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2003 29 

APPENDIX A: COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

APPENDIX B: LINKS 

- REPRESENTATION ON NATIONAL COUNCILS, TASK FORCES, 

- STEERING COMMITTEES, ETC. 

- INTERNATIONAL LINKS 

APPENDIX C: HERITAGE COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS 

AN CHOMHAIRLE OIDHREACHTA TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 

THE HERITAGE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Message from Council 

Page 4 

The Heritage Council was 

first established in 1995. 

In 2003 the newly named 

Department of 

Environment Heritage 

and Local Government 

announced a review of 

the Council's founding 

legislation, The Heritage 

Act. This was in line with 

a commitment given in the National Heritage Plan. At 

the time of writing the result of the review is awaited. 

Delay in completion of the review notwithstanding, 

the Council has continued its annual work programme 

and maintained the quality of its output in all areas. 

The details of just some of our achievements are 

contained in this report. 

Most significantly, 2003 saw Council’s search for a 

permanent headquarters in Kilkenny take a huge step 

forward. All outstanding planning issues were positively 

resolved allowing both the Heritage Council and the 

Representative Church Body to move forward on the 

transfer of the Bishop’s Palace to the Council. On behalf 

of Council, I wish to acknowledge the support of 

Minister of Environment Heritage and Local 

Government, Mr Martin Cullen TD, who, in 2003, 

sanctioned the acquisition and development of the 

property as the Heritage Council headquarters. 

In seeking to maintain our work programme, Council 

has highlighted its achievements in particular areas 

such as partnership with local authorities, our grant 

schemes which have had a particular resonance within 

local communities, and our continual emphasis on 

reflecting the best of a modern public service. It is a 

sign of a healthy and dynamic organisation that it not 

only keeps its internal operations under review, but also 

that it maintains a flexible and open approach to 

external examination of its functional and structural 

elements. The purpose must always be to provide focus 

within the current 'business' climate. This report 

demonstrates Council's ability internally to do just that. 

All within Council await the outcome of the current 

external review, which it hopes will allow it to maintain 

its strategic and responsible approach to the integration 

of heritage aspects within government policy. 

Tom O’Dwyer 

Chairperson. 


Chief Executive’s Report 

Page 5 

This report reflects 

Council's ongoing 

commitment to 

professionalism in the 

heritage 'business' It may 

seem strange to some to 

categorise aspects of our 

work in that manner. 

However if we are to 

carry out the statutory 

responsibilities we enjoy under the Heritage Act then 

that is just what is required for both Council itself 

and its partners. 

Internally, new professional officers have been 

appointed to planning, archaeology and a new position 

in communications and education. Council's partnership 

with the local authorities saw 9 new Heritage Officers 

recruited bringing the total to 23. Of course 

professionalising heritage is about much more than 

recruiting staff. It is how those staff bring benefit to 

heritage within local communities. In this context the 

8 local heritage plans, which qualified for funding, 

were in receipt of nearly €355,745 in grant support. 

Significantly, this allowed all Heritage Officers to 

attract substantial amounts of matching funding to 

deliver plan objectives. Similarly, all of Council's grant 

schemes totaling some €4,972,810 acted as a catalyst 

to allow community and heritage interests to benefit 

throughout the Country. 

Council has also continued to work with, and provide 

support for, a wide range of professional bodies 

including the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland, 

Institute of Architects of Ireland, the Irish Planning 

Institute, the Irish Landscape Institute and the Irish 

Museums Association. The professional panels 

established to provide Council with added value in its 

work have been very productive. All of this work seeks 

to assist in the maintenance of the highest 

professional standards in the sector. The Publication of 

the Standards and Accreditation Policy, launched by 

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government, Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., and the 

promotion of a Biological Records Centre empasises 

the strides that are being taken, and the guidance 

given to the various sectoral interests. It was a source 

of great pride to Council that as Patron of the Museum 

of the Year Award, President McAleese made particular 

reference to the work in the museum sector in 

presenting the 2003 award to the Hunt Museum. 

Council maintained its approach to an integration of 

sectoral interests through its promotion of Conservation 

Plans, the first of which was launched by Minister 

Cullen in Portlaw, Co Waterford. These plans, together 

with the 15 Development Plans and Local Area Plans 

which were subject to Heritage Appraisal and the 

Waterway Corridor Studies Initiative all promote such 

an approach, seeking to place the significance of 

heritage matters in the widest possible context. 

Heritage issues must be accessible and easily understood. 

Council re-vamped Heritage Outlook in 2003 and 

continued to grow its Heritage in Schools Programme. 

17% of schools in the primary sector have now 

participated and 50,000 pupils have reaped the 

benefits. New targets have been set within the primary 

sector and work is ongoing with the secondary sector 

to secure curriculum development in this area in 2004. 

The need for involvement of youth in our work has 

never been clearer and was emphasised by no lesser a 

figure than Nelson Mandela in addressing the World 

Parks Congress in Durban in September. He payed 

tribute in particular to the involvement of Junior 

Ranger's in protected area and national park 

management. This is an aspect which Council has 

sought to address in the recommendations contained 

its own landscape policy. 

All in all, it was a challenging and rewarding year. Let 

us hope that the imagination and commitment and 

independence of thought, which epitomises Council’s 

approach, continue to be valued in to 2004 and beyond. 

Michael Starrett 

Chief Executive. 


The Heritage Council 2003 

Page 6 

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: 

Council monuments 

landscapes 

archaeological objects 

seascapes 

heritage objects 

wrecks 

architectural heritage 

geology 

flora and parks 

heritage gardens 

fauna 

inland waterways 

• 

wildlife habitats 

Dr. Con Costello 

Members 

Two new Council members were appointed in 2003. 

Ms. Deirdre Ellis-King the City Librarian with Dublin 

City Council and Mr. Éamonn McEneaney, 

Curator with Waterford Treasures, They both 

make considerable expertise available to Council in 

their relevant disciplines. 

Dr. Simon Berrow 

Tom O’Dwyer 

Chairperson 

Mary Bryan 

Ruth Delany 

Nessa Dunlea 

Deirdre Ellis-King 

Maurice Hurley 


Page 7 

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. 

Éamonn Mc Eneaney 

Michael McNamara 

Michael MacMahon 

Mary Moylan 

Fr. Tomás Ó Caoimh 

Professor Willie Smyth 

Nioclás Ó Conchubhair 

Virginia Teehan 

Primrose Wilson 


Staff 

Page 8 

Michael Starrett Chief Executive 

Anne Barcoe Personal Assistant to Chairperson and Chief Executive 

Ian Doyle Archaeologist (from October 2003) 

Mary Feehan Secretarial Support (from March 2003) 

Mary Hanna Architect 

Beatrice Kelly Inland Waterways Officer/Marine/Walking & Greenways 

Fionnuala Lynch Grants Officer 

Liam Lysaght Ecologist 

Hugh Maguire Museums & Archives Officer (to Nov 2003) 

Martina Malone Secretarial Support 

Paddy Mathews Planning Officer (to September 2003) 

Charles Mount Archaeologist (to July 2003) 

Linda O’Brien Financial Controller 

Gerard O’Hara Financial Controller (p/t) 

Amanda Ryan Secretarial Support 

Stephen Rhys Thomas Planning Officer (from September 2003) 

Liam Scott Human Resources Officer 

Viney Shine Secretarial Support (p/t) 

Isabel Smyth Education & Communication Officer (from March 2003) 

Eithne Verling Museums & Archives Officer (p/t) 

Staff members who joined the Council during 2003 are: 

Ms Isabell Smyth, Education & Communication Officer 

Mr Ian Doyle, Archaeology Officer 

Mr Stephen Rhys-Thomas, Planning Officer 

Ms Mary Feehan, Clerical Support 

Staff Training and Development Programme 

The Heritage Council provides ongoing professional training 

and development for all staff. In 2003 the Training 

Programme provided training in the following areas: 

A Professional Management Training Programme was 

designed and delivered in partnership with IBEC. The 

course provided an integrated training programme in 

four modules which focused on practical issues in work 

areas of staff. The programme addressed many areas 

including leadership, personality profiling, 

communication skills, handling conflict, presentations, 

negotiations, interviewing, time management, team 

building and managing meetings. 

A specific Negotiations Skills Course was provided in 

conjunction with the Institute of Public 

Administration, for staff who did not participate in the 

Management Training Programme. 

Health and Safety 

Road safety is a major issue for the Heritage Council as 

its staff often undertake road journeys. A Decision 

Driver Training Course was provided in conjunction 

with NIFAST. 


Council Meetings in 

Dublin and Sligo 

Page 9 

The Heritage Council held it's February Meeting in the 

Mansion House in Dublin. The Lord Mayor of Dublin 

Mr. Dermot Lacey hosted a reception in the Mansion 

House in Dublin for the Council. This was the first 

time Council had met in the capital since its move to 

Kilkenny in 1997. Dublin City Manager Mr. John 

Fitzgerald welcomed Council to Dublin. 

and appreciated the hospitality shown by the Sligo 

Local Authority. 

Heritage Council Headquarters 

The search for a permanent home for Council in 

Kilkenny took a major step forward with the granting 

of planning permission for the Bishop’s Palace as a 

national headquarters for the Council. Negotiations 

with the Representative Church Body of the Church of 

Ireland to secure the transfer of the property are 

ongoing and full Ministerial sanction to acquire and 

develop the property has been granted. 

Review of the Heritage Act (1995) 

The Heritage Council decided to hold its June meeting in 

a location which allowed it to recognise its ongoing work 

on the O’Sullivan Beare Route and to meet with 

community interests involved in the work. Sligo proved to 

be the most suitable venue for the meeting as it enjoyed 

easy access sections of the O’Sullivan Beare Route. 

On June 5th the delegation met with the local 

community group and Beara Greenway walkers in 

Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. The Council meeting took 

place in Markree Castle, Collooney on June 6th. 

Sligo Local Authorities hosted a Civic Reception, which 

was followed by a dinner with members of the heritage 

community, public representatives and officials. 

Guest speakers were Brendan O’Connor, Ecologist and 

Dr. Kieran O’Connor, Archaeologist who informed the 

delegation of the Heritage in North Connaught. 

The delegation enjoyed a guided tour on June 7th which 

took in some beautiful sites such as Ardcane Church 

graveyard and ancient settlement, Lough Key Forest 

Park, Boyle Abbey and King House in Boyle. 

The Heritage Council welcomed the opportunity to 

promote co-operation throughout the island of Ireland 

In line with a commitment on the National Heritage 

Plan the Department of Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government initiated a review of the Heritage 

Act (1995). The Heritage Council submission on the 

review is available on www.heritagecouncil.ie. 

Statement of Heritage Act Review 

In September the Heritage Council forwarded its 

statement on the current review of the Heritage Act to 

the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government. In the statement Council comments on 

both functional and structural elements of its work 

and seeks a new function in the Act which will highlight 

the link that exists between language and heritage. 

Council stresses the significance of an integrated 

approach to the proposing of policy for heritage and 

how its independence has assisted in securing a 

responsible and strategic approach to the integration 

of heritage aspects within government policy. 

Council seeks to build on earlier policy proposals 

forwarded to government on aspects of both cultural 

and natural heritage. These include the need for a 

Biological Records Centre, a Standards and 

Accreditation Programme for the Museum Sector, an 

expansion of partnerships with local authorities and of 

Councils highly successful grants programme. 

The review is being carried out internally within the 

Department of Environment Heritage and Local 

Government, which has invited submissions from a 

wide range of consultees. 


The Plan 2001-2005 

Page 10 

This is the third year of the implementation of the Plan 2001-2005. 

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 


Page 11 

Implementing the Plan in 2003 

The chart below illustrates the structure which Council put in place to implement the Plan in 2003. Council and 

the four standing Committees are a statutory requirement. Working groups are appointed from time to time to 

oversee or co-ordinate an aspect of policy formulation on behalf of Council. Such groups are established for a 

fixed period of time and may include representatives from outside Council. 


Page 12 

Heritage information – 

collection and dissemination 

Major items of data collection included: 

• Commissioning an annotated indexed bibliography on 

the Cultural and built heritage of the Irish Coast zone 

• Commissioning a Survey of Traditional and Heritage 

boat sector 

• Examining the feasibility of an internet archive of 

archaeological excavation reports 

A Pilot National Bat Monitoring Programme 

• Digitising of Irish manuscripts with a view to 

making them accessible to the public. 

LIST 

OF ACHIEVEMENTS 

Advice to the Minister 

The Heritage Council provided advice to 

the Minister on: 

Preparing local biodiversity action plans 

• 

• 

Producing a Policy Paper on Agriculture and 

the National Heritage 

Producing a Policy Paper on a National 

Biological Records Centre 

Raising awareness and 

appreciation of our heritage 

This major aspect of Council’s work 

was advanced through: 

SUMMARY 

• Awarding €4,972,810 grants in the areas of 

local heritage publications, archaeology, wildlife, 

museums & archives, and buildings at risk 

• The launch of Portlaw Conservation Plan by 

Minister Martin Cullen TD 

• The launch of the publication A Wexford Farmstead 

by Minister Noel Ahern TD 

Hosting a seminar on preventive maintenance 

Upgrading Council’s website 

Redesigning Heritage Outlook Magazine 

The Heritage in Schools Scheme 

• The Museum of the Year Award 

* Standing Committee 


AN 

CHOMHAIRLE 

OIDHREACHTA 

2003 

THE 

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COUNCIL 

Best practice in heritage 

conservation and management 

Actions taken here include: 

Implementing Bere Island Conservation Plan 

Initiating 2 waterways corridor studies 

• Publishing the booklet, Human Remains in 

Irish Archaeology 

• 

• Hosting a workshop on carved sandstone 

Publishing a map guide on Lough Derg Pilgrim Path 

Commissioning conservation plans for Dublin 

City Walls 

Placing heritage at 

the heart of public life 

This was achieved through: 

• Hosting a consultation process on water 

management/Water Framework Directive 

• Producing a proposal for the introduction of an 

agri-environment scheme for the more 

intensive farmers 

Hosting a workshop on lime in historic buildings 

• Submitting comments on six appeals to An Bord 

Pleanála 

• The launch of the Heritage Council’s policy on 

museums, A Policy Framework for the Irish 

Museum Sector by Minister Martin Cullen 

Page 13 

Local authorities and 

heritage management 

New commitments in this area include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Securing 9 new heritage officer posts in 

local authorities 

Continuing the Heritage Training and 

Development Programme for heritage officers 

Contributing €355,745 towards the 

implementation of 8 county/city heritage plans 

Carrying out 15 heritage appraisals of local 

authority development plans 

Preparing a heritage appraisal for indicative 

forest strategies 

Completing the County Clare Landscape 

Characterisation museums, A Policy Framework for 

the Irish Museum Sector by Minister Martin Cullen

Page 14 

1 


HERITAGE INFORMATION - 

COLLECTION AND 

DISSEMINATION 

Bibliomara 

The Heritage Council commissioned the Coastal and 

Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), Cork, in November 

2002 to compile Bibliomara, an annotated indexed 

bibliography on the cultural and built heritage of the 

Irish coastal zone. CMRC worked with a multidisciplinary 

team from the Department’s of Bealoideas, and 

Archaeology from UCC, and Meitheal Mara. 

The bibliography has reached the end of its first phase 

and has been circulated widely to potential end users 

for commentary. It will be put on the web in user - 

friendly format in 2004. 

Pilot National Bat Monitoring Programme 

Traditional and Heritage Boat Sector Survey 

The Heritage Council commissioned Reggie Goodbody 

to carry out a survey of 

Traditional boat associations and organisations 

Traditional boat builders and existing boat yards 

• List of traditional craft and location of existing 

examples (where possible) 

Both inland and marine traditional boats were 

included. The purpose of the survey was to identify 

key people involved in this area and to identify the 

main heritage issues. It will be followed up by a 

seminar in 2004 to discuss the outcome of the survey. 

Monitoring population trends of bats is an essential 

component of bat conservation and addresses 

obligations under the EUROBATS Agreement and the 

Habitats Directive. At present there is little bat 

population trend data in Ireland. To rectify this gap, 

the Heritage Council commissioned the Bat 

Conservation Trust to develop and evaluate a novel bat 

detector-based monitoring project for Ireland. The 

project involves driving a fixed route at night and 

recording the bat activity by use of a bat detector and 

mini-disc recorder. For the pilot project, 15 

fieldworkers surveyed six 30 km squares, providing a 

total of 173 independent monitoring transects. The 

pilot showed that the scheme could be used to track 

national population levels of three species of bat: 

common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and Leisler’s 

bat. Further refinement of the method will be 

developed in 2004. 

Digitising Irish Manuscripts 

In 2003 the Museums and Archives Committee agreed 

to research the benefits of, and contribute to, projects 

demonstrating improved information technology and 

communication systems for collection based 

institutions and agencies, and which promote greater 

access to these collections. To this end the committee 

funded the Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) project run by 

the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies. The project’s 

principle aims are the research and digitisation of Irish 

manuscripts with a view to making them accessible to 

the public. 

Establishing an Archaeological Excavation 

Reports Internet Archive 

This study was funded by Council to investigate the 

practicality of placing archaeological excavation reports 

on the internet. The study configured feasibility for its 

establishment and a survey of the archaeological 

profession indicated a broad level of support. 


ADVICE TO THE MINISTER 


2 

Page 15 

Advice on the Preparation of Local Biodiversity 

Action Plans 

The preparation of local biodiversity action plans is part 

of the government initiative to address heritage 

concerns through the publication of the National 

Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan. Local 

biodiversity action plans are a complementary 

component of the local heritage plans, which have 

already commenced in many local authority areas, 

under the guidance of the Heritage Council. The 

Council has provided advice on the production of these 

plans, and has provided a special grant scheme to 

encourage local authorities to commence the process. 

Policy Paper on Agriculture and the 

National Heritage 

The Heritage Council agreed further policy advice on 

agriculture and the national heritage in March 2003. 

The policy advice draws on the review of the CAP Rural 

Development Plan 2000-2006 and ongoing contact 

with farmers, farming organisations, and heritage 

professionals. The advice focuses on the following areas: 

General issues 

Agri-environment and designated sites 

• 

Conserving biological diversity in the wider 

countryside 

• Archaeology 

Farm afforestation 

• Water quality 

The agreed policy advice formed the basis of Council’s 

submission on the mid-term evaluation on the REPS 

undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food. 

Policy Paper on a National Biological 

Records Centre 

The Council proposed policy on the establishment of a 

national biological records centre to the Minister in 

December. The policy paper highlights the establishment 

of a national biological records centre as an essential 

element in the management of information on 

Ireland’s biological diversity. It would ensure that the 

existing information is managed effectively, it would 

also make information more readily available to all 

interested parties, and it also stimulates interest in 

Ireland’s rich natural heritage. The availability of high 

quality and reliable information is one of the 

cornerstones of effective heritage conservation and 

management. The recommendations contained in this 

policy paper set out how a national biological records 

centre could be established, and identified the 

resources needed. It is significant that these 

recommendations have widespread support from a 

range of state agencies, academic institutions, and 

environmental non-governmental organisations. 


Page 16 

3 


PLACING HERITAGE AT THE 

HEART OF PUBLIC LIFE 

Water Management/Water Framework Directive 

In its strategic plan 2001-05, the Council identified 

water quality as one of its main areas of policy 

formation. As part of the process of drafting this 

policy, the Heritage Council canvassed opinion on 

current water quality and water management 

proposals, both current and future, through a 

consultation document and seminar in Athlone, 

October 2003. 

Copies of the consultation document were sent out to a 

wide range of organisations and individuals who have 

an interest or potential interest in water issues and the 

Water Framework Directive (WFD). The document can 

also be downloaded from the Heritage Council website. 

The document includes a list of questions to which 

people were asked to respond to by September; 140 

replies were received in total. A Water Quality Seminar 

was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, in October 

2003 and was attended by 16 people. The overall 

outcome was that people are supportive of the WFD; 

however there are concerns about how it will be 

implemented, and whether sufficient resources will be 

dedicated to it. Public involvement is seen as essential, 

and the majority of respondents were prepared to pay 

increased costs for water. The results of the feedback 

will be published in 2004. 

Proposal for the Introduction of an Agri-Environment 

Scheme for the More Intensive Farmers 

The Heritage Council proposed the introduction of an 

agri-environment scheme for more intensive farming 

systems to complement the current Rural Environment 

Protection Scheme (REPS). The advice is based on a 

study commissioned by the Heritage Council. It was 

found that hedgerows were the most prevalent feature 

of natural heritage on intensively managed 

commercial farms. Water bodies and woodland were 

found to be the second most common habitat types. 

As a result of these findings, the study recommends 

that the identification and protection of these and 

other habitat types is essential to fulfilling the 

proposed scheme's objectives, which seek to maintain 

and enhance the natural heritage of intensive farms. 

Lime Workshop, Borris House, County Carlow 

The Heritage Council supported Carlow County Council 

in hosting a practical workshop on 21st May on the use 

of lime in historic buildings. Presentations were given 

on the use of lime, with particular emphasis on the 

challenges posed by the deterioration of the render on 

the external walls at Borris House. In the afternoon, 

delegates were given the opportunity to see at first 

hand the practical application of the use of lime in 

historic buildings. 

Minister Noel Ahern, Roberta (Bobbie) Reemers and Michael Starrett at the launch of 

the book ‘A Wexford Farmstaed’. 

Launch of the Portlaw Conservation Plan 


Page 17 

Submitted Comments on Six Appeals to An 

Bord Pleanála 

A number of appeals were forwarded by An Bord 

Pleanála to the Council for comment. The Council also 

made a number of appeals to the Board during the year 

on various cases. A total of six submissions were made 

to the Board in 2003. The Council also commented on 

a range of individual planning applications where the 

sensitivity of heritage was a concern. 

Launch of Policy Paper on Museums: A Policy 

Framework for the Irish Museum Sector 

In 2003 the Museums & Archives Committee oversaw 

the final phase of the pilot study on the Museum 

Standards and Accreditation Scheme. With 13 

institutions participating on the study each member 

strived to achieve the implementation of 23 of the 34 

agreed standards which would result in the 

attainment of interim accreditation. In this 

task they were supported by a training 

programme, on-site mentor visits, 

supporting documentation and group 

meetings. 

The committee itself set about creating the 

right framework for the implementation of 

the Museum Standards and Accreditation 

Scheme on a national basis. In November 

2003 the Minister for the Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government, 

Mr Martin Cullen, launched the Heritage 

Council’s policy paper on museums A Policy 

Framework for the Irish Museum Sector. 

The paper was launched in Waterford 

Treasures, which itself has achieved the 

interim accreditation standard. 

Virginia Teehan Director Hunt Museum and Heritage Council Member, Michael Starrett, 

Chief Executive Heritage Council, Oliver Clery Waterford City Lordmayor, Eamon 

McEneaney, Director of Waterford Treasures, and Council Member. Eithne Verling, 

Museums and Archives Officer, The Heritage Council picture with Minister Martin Cullen 

at the Launch of the Policy Framework for the Irish Museum Sector. 


Page 18 

4 


LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND 

HERITAGE MANAGEMENT 

The Heritage Officer Programme 2003 

County heritage officers are employed by most local 

authorities in partnership with the Heritage Council. 

Nine officers were recruited during 2003 giving a total 

of 23 county heritage officers at the end of 2003. 

Local authorities are aware of the positive benefits of 

the programme as illustrated by its continuing 

expansion from only three officers in 1999. The 

National Heritage Plan specifies, as government policy, 

that each local authority should employ a heritage 

officer. The Heritage Council is the only body 

providing funds towards this objective. The balance of 

funding must come from a local authority’s own 

resources and this is the main challenge to the 

progression of the programme. 

Heritage Council provides comprehensive training 

and networking opportunities on a monthly basis for 

heritage officers through the Heritage Training and 

Development Progamme (HTDP). The HTDP is an 

essential support for heritage officers who are 

generally stand-alone operators within their local 

authority. It is to be noted that a number of local 

authorities have recently established heritage units 

within their structures to help meet their new 

responsibilities in this area of work. 

Heritage officers manage the heritage function within 

a county in a strategic and co-ordinated manner. They 

adopt an integrated approach to heritage which 

addresses 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 county. Heritage objectives are identified and 

prioritised in county heritage plans that are formally 

adopted by local authorities. 

The 

The heritage officer function is extremely broad and 

carried out in the context of individual local authority 

preferences and Heritage Council objectives. Some of the 

principal areas addressed by heritage officers include: 

County heritage plans 

Advice and information for local authority staff 

Heritage appraisal 

Data collection 

Liaison 

Public relations 

Public consultations 

• Strategies, policies and projects 

County Heritage Plans 


Page 19 

JOE 

GALLAGHER 

DONEGAL 

DEIRDRE 

CUNNINGHAM 

MAYO 

SIOBHAN 

RYAN 

SLIGO 

CONGELLA MCGUIRE 

CLARE 

NOLLAIG 

MCKEON 

ROSCOMMON 

JIM HIGGINS 

GALWAY CITY 

MARIE MANNION 

GALWAY COUNTY 

TOM O'NEILL 

LIMERICK 

APPOINTMENT 

PENDING 

LONGFORD 

AMANDA 

PEDLOW 

OFFALY 

DR. SIOBHAN 

GERAGHTY 

NORTH TIPPERARY 

BRENDAN 

McSHERRY 

SOUTH TIPPERARY 

BERNIE GUEST 

WESTMEATH 

CATHERINE 

CASEY 

LAOIS 

LORETTO 

GUINAN 

MEATH 

BRIDGET 

LOUGHLIN 

KILDARE 

LORCAN 

SCOTT 

CARLOW 

DEARBHALA 

LEDWIDGE 

KILKENNY 

DEIRDRE 

BURNS 

WICKLOW 

DR. GERRY 

CLABBY 

FINGAL (BLOCK) 

DONNCHA 

O'DULAING 

DUBLIN CITY 

TIM CAREY 

DUN LAOGHAIRE 

RATHDOWN 

UNA COSGRAVE 

KERRY 

SHARON CASEY 

CORK 

APPOINTMENT 

PENDING 

WATERFORD 


Page 20 

County/City Heritage Plans 

During 2003, a total of 13 county/city heritage plans 

were completed. The plans were prepared by the 

heritage forum in each county/city facilitated by the 

local authority heritage officer. 

In 2003, the Heritage Council contributed a total of 

€355,745 towards the implementation of eight 

county/city heritage plans. The eight plans were 

awarded the following amounts: 

Carlow County Heritage Plan: €4,500 

Clare County Heritage Plan: €63,750 

Dublin City Heritage Plan: €105,273 

Kerry County Heritage Plan: €30,314 

Laois County Heritage Plan: €31,657 

Offaly County Heritage Plan: €39,984 

Sligo County Heritage Plan: €58,829 

Westmeath County Heritage Plan: €21,438 

TOTAL €355,745 

15 Heritage Appraisals of Local Authority 

Development Plans 

During 2003, the Council carried out 15 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 

systematically, comprehensively, and impartially assess 

the likely effects of implementing the policies in the 

development plan on the heritage. A heritage 

appraisal also helps to ensure that the full range of 

heritage considerations is dealt with through the 

preparation of the development plan. With the arrival 

of the new EU Directive of Strategic Environmental 

Assessment due in 2004, the work on heritage 

appraisal and the methodology it encourages has been 

viewed in a very positive light. 

Heritage Appraisal for Indicative Forest 

Strategies 

Each local authority, in association with the forest service, 

is currently working on an indicative forest strategy. 

An indicative forest strategy provides a non-prescriptive 

policy framework for local authorities, and a guide for 

companies and individuals that wish to engage in forestry. 

With government policy seeking to achieve a 17% forestry 

cover by 2030, this land use change has significant 

implications for our national heritage. The Heritage 

Council has identified forestry as one of the key sectors for 

policy advice, and published its advice on Forestry and 

the National Heritage (1999). The heritage appraisal takes 

these recommendations and presents them in a format 

that is more useful for influencing the formulation of the 

strategies. The appraisal provides a framework for all 

involved in the planning and promotion of afforestation 

to maximise the contribution that forestry can make to 

the enhancement of Ireland's national heritage. 

Feasibility Study for the Potential Establishment 

of a City and County Museum in Galway 

In 2003 the Heritage Council worked in partnership 

with Galway City Council and Galway County Council to 

examine the factors influencing the potential 

establishment of a city and county museum. The city 

plan was completed in autumn 2003, while the county 

plan is due for completion in spring 2004. 

The Museums & Archives Officer provided advice to a 

number of other local authorities contemplating the 

establishment of museums in their areas. 

Completion of County Clare Landscape 

Characterisation 

2003 saw completion of the Clare Landscape 

Characterisation Project. The completion of that 

project marks a significant step in the implementation 

of Council's policy proposal on Landscape. Discussion 

on this policy is ongoing between Council and the 

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government. Consideration is being given to the 

carrying out of a benchmarking study of those county 

characterisations completed to date. 


LOCAL HERITAGE GRANTS SCHEME 

2003 FUNDED IN ASSOCIATION 

WITH FORD IRELAND 


5 

Page 21 

Buildings at Risk Grants Scheme 2003 

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 2003, € 2,508,182 was awarded to 101 projects. A list of 

payments to projects during 2003 is included in the Financial Statements (below). 

Buildings at Risk Grants Scheme over the Years 

Publications Grants Scheme 2003 

The Publications Grants Scheme aims to assist the production of high quality publications on aspects of Ireland’s 

heritage. In 2003, 117 applications were received and a total of €208,500 was offered to 55 publications. A list of 

payments to projects during 2003 is included in the Financial Statements (below). 

Publications Grants Scheme over the Years 


Page 22 

County Kilkenny Recepients of Local Heritage Grants 

Ms. Tina Aughney, reciving a local 

heritage grant for Bat Conservation, 

from Dr. Tom O'Dwyer (left),Chairman 

of Heritage Council and Mr. Eddie 

Murphy, Chairman of Ford 

Archaeology Grants Scheme 2003 

The Council also repeated its Archaeology Grants Scheme in 2003. Under the scheme €204,699 was awarded to 

12 projects. A list of payments to projects during 2003 is included in Financial Statements (below). 

Archaeology Grants Scheme over the Years 

Wildlife Grants Scheme 2003 

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 2003, € 219,786 was awarded to 25 projects under the Wildlife Grants 

Scheme. A list of payments to projects during 2003 is included in the Financial Statements (below). 

Wildlife Grants Scheme over the Years 


Page 23 

County Roscommon recepients of Local Heritage grants 

Local Heritage Grants Scheme 2003 Funded in Association Ford Ireland 

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. 

In total, 280 applications were received from all 26 counties. Of these, 89 projects shared a total of €438,492. 

A list of payments to projects during 2003 is included in the Financial Statements (below). Council recognises the 

ongoing support of Ford with its Local Heritage Grants Scheme. 

Local Heritage Grants Scheme over the Years 

Museum & Archives Grants Scheme 2003 

The aim of the Museum & Archive Grants Scheme is to contribute to the collection of data, raising awareness and 

proposing of policy in the following areas: collections management, museum/archival management, education and 

interpretation, and public services. In 2003, € 192,692 was awarded to 43 projects under the Museum & Archives 

Grants Scheme. A list of payments to projects during 2003 is included in the Financial Statements (below). 

Museum & Archives Grants Scheme over the Years 


Page 24 

Launch of Portlaw Conservation Plan by 

Minister Cullen. 

Preventive Maintenance Seminar: Home and 

Dry, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan 

A seminar on preventive maintenance was held in 

Carrickmacross on 14th May to introduce the report on 

a proposed initiative by the Heritage Council. There was 

overwhelming support for the introduction of a pilot 

project in Ireland. Approximately 100 delegates attended 

this event, which was launched by television producer 

and presenter, Duncan Stewart. Speakers included 

experts from the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. 

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Environment, Heritage 

and Local Government, formally launched the 

Conservation Plan for Portlaw, County Waterford, at a 

ceremony in Woodlock House, Portlaw on 12th 

September. This conservation plan, which was the 

result of co-operation and partnership between the 

Heritage Council, the Department of the Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government, and Waterford County 

Council, outlines actions to conserve and regenerate 

this important industrial heritage site. 

Launch of A Wexford Farmstead in Johnstown 

Castle, Wexford. 

Upgraded Heritage Council Website 

During 2003 the website underwent considerable 

redesign to ensure that it remains current and 

accurately reflects the broad range of the Council’s 

activities, including publications and research. New 

sections have been added for Architecture, 

Archaeology, Inland Waterways, Local Heritage, Marine, 

Museums & Archives, and Wildlife. This has greatly 

facilitated the inclusion of a significant quantity of 

regularly updated information relevant to these areas 

such as links, events, and ongoing projects. Other 

significant additions have included a Heritage in 

Schools section, upgrading the Grants Section, a daily 

press clippings service, and a Biological Databases 

Section. The Publications Section has been redesigned 

to allow all publications to be accessed in PDF format. 

The number of visitors to the site has doubled in the 

past year reflecting the fact that the site is now more 

current and accessible. A new e-zine allows us to keep 

our subscribers list more regularly updated with events 

and news items taking place nationally and 

internationally on a monthly basis. 

On November 24th Minister Noel Ahern launched the 

publication A Wexford Farmstead. This Heritage Council 

publication consists of a series of essays on the history, 

folklore, and conservation of the Mayglass Farmstead in 

County Wexford. The conservation of Mayglass 

Farmstead was funded by the Heritage Council 


Page 25 

Heritage Outlook 

The in-house Heritage Council magazine, Heritage 

Outlook, has been re-designed this year. It aims to 

provide an outlet for those researching and working 

across the broad spectrum of heritage to communicate 

new ideas and to inform the wider public of 

innovative approaches and changes taking place in the 

field. The winter addition was warmly received with a 

second print run needed to accommodate the 

demand. Clearly there is a growing interest for 

accurate informed information on heritage matters. 

Heritage in Schools 

Museum of the Year Award 

The 2003 Museum of the Year Award saw an increase 

in applications and a great diversity in the type of 

applicants. There were five categories for entry. These 

are outlined below with the winners in each category: 

Museum of the Year Award 

THE HUNT MUSEUM, LIMERICK 

Best Collections Care Award 

Best Publications for Visitors 

No Entries 

DUBLINIA: THE STORY OF MEDIEVAL DUBLIN 

Best Exhibition Award 

THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS MUSEUM, ARMAGH 

Best Access and Outreach: 

JOINT WINNERSDOWN COUNTY MUSEUM AND 

THE IRISH MUSEUM OF COUNTRY LIFE, CASTLEBAR 

Commendations: 

Under the Heritage Act, one of the core functions of 

the Heritage Council is defined as educating, 

promoting interest and pride in, and facilitating the 

enjoyment of the national heritage. The Act also 

charges the Council with cooperating with other bodies 

in providing a facilitative role with regard to heritage. 

The Heritage in Schools Scheme, initiated by the 

Heritage Council, is one of its most successful projects; 

both in fulfilling its role under the Act and in helping a 

very important group in society enjoy their heritage. 

For a number of years, the Heritage Council and the 

Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) have 

cooperated in this scheme which makes a panel of 

heritage specialists available for visits to primary 

schools. This year the Heritage in Schools programme 

underwent an independent review, which gave a very 

positive overview of the programme from both 

students and teachers. The programme continues to 

grow, with over 50,000 students in more than 12% of 

schools nationally participating in the scheme. 

THE IRISH AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM, 

JOHNSTOWN CASTLE COUNTY WEXFORD 

ULSTER FOLK AND TRANSPORT MUSEUM 

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND 


Page 26 

6 


BEST PRACTICE IN HERITAGE 

CONSERVATION AND 

MANAGEMENT 

Bere Island Conservation Plan 

Following the completion of the Plan in 2002, the 

Heritage Council has supported the initial implementation 

stage, to investigate the feasibility of setting up an island 

council, and put other projects into action, namely 

aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, waste management. 

A part time co-ordinator has been appointed. 

Waterway Corridor Studies 

Two waterway corridor studies were initiated in 2003. 

Firstly the Shannon Navigation from Shannonbridge to 

Lanesborough, including Lough Ree, and the River 

Suck; and secondly the Royal Canal from Thomastown, 

County Westmeath to Clondra, and the Shannon 

Navigation from Lanesborough to Roosky. 

These projects were commissioned in partnership with 

Waterways Ireland, and with Westmeath, Roscommon, 

Galway, Longford, and Offaly County Councils. 

brought medieval pilgrims across to Station Island. 

The path continues full circle to the visitor centre 

where the walk began. 

A map guide has been published, written by Peter 

Harbison and Joss Lynam. It covers the historical 

background to the pilgrimage at Lough Derg, as well 

as a detailed description of the walking route, and the 

items of heritage interest to be found along the way. 

Practical information on accommodation, safety, and 

transport is given in four languages – English, Irish, 

French, and German. 

Building on the experience of the pilot corridor study 

carried out in 2002 on the Grand Canal, each study 

involved defining a corridor of land surrounding the 

river and lake, and recommends policies for retention 

and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage 

of the area, and actions for suitable waterway 

regeneration projects in surrounding towns and 

villages. The studies will be available from the Heritage 

Council in 2004. 

Completion of Lough Derg Pilgrim Path 

Beara Breifne Greenway – Irish Section of the 

REVER Network 

Work continued on the planning of a greenway following 

the march of O Sullivan Beare from the Beara Peninsula, 

West Cork, to Breifne in the Leitrim/ Cavan area. 

Over 66 community groups and 11 local authorities 

are involved. 

This route follows some of the 

footsteps of the medieval Lough 

Derg pilgrims, not to Station Island 

where pilgrims normally go today, 

but to the threshold of the larger 

Saints Island which acted as its 

gateway several hundred years ago. 

The circular walking route starts at 

the present ferry landing for Station Island and follows 

part of the old pilgrimage road to the goal of the 

pilgrimage, the edge of the lake opposite Saints Island. 

Here you can still see the stones that formed the 

foundation of the wooden bridge that would have 

Publication of Human Remains in Irish 

Archaeology booklet 

This booklet is based on a much larger study conducted 

on human remains in Irish archaeology, which was 

commissioned by the Heritage Council. The study was 

carried out by Glasgow University Archaeological 

Research Division with assistance from the Law 

Department, NUI Cork. Given the increase in 

archaeological investigations of burial grounds in recent 

years, as well as the re-development of disused 

churches, this publication arrives at some conclusions 

about best practice in this important aspect 


Page 27 

of Irish archaeology. 

The booklet deals with 

planning issues and site 

assessment, archaeological 

excavation, post-excavation analysis and reporting, as 

well as the issue of the curation or re-burial of human 

remains. The booklet is intended for professionals 

working in the areas of planning, development, and 

archaeology, as well as members of the clergy and public. 

Support for Continued Professional 

Development Programme within the Institute 

of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) 

The IAI is the representative body for professional 

archaeologists in Ireland. In 2003 Council funded the 

development of a programme of professional postgraduate 

education and training which will lead to 

the introduction of a structured accredited continuing 

professional development programme for IAI members. 

This work is set to continue during 2004 and should 

help improve the level of expertise within the 

archaeological profession. 

Dublin City Walls Conservation Plan 

In 2003 Council commissioned a conservation plan 

for the Dublin City Walls in partnership with Dublin 

City Council. The fabric of the defences dates to the 

Hiberno-Norse and Anglo-Norman periods. The plan 

seeks to address a range of concerns in respect of the 

preservation, conservation, and presentation of the 

above ground and below ground elements of this 

important monument. 

Cultural Collections Survey of Waterford 

City and County 

In 2002 the Heritage Council established a 

conservation working group to develop a 

preventive conservation strategy. In 2003 the working 

group commissioned a Cultural Collections Survey of 

Waterford City and County to consider the conservation 

needs of the city and county with a view to informing 

the development of the preventive conservation 

strategy. Also in 2003 the committee provided seed 

funding to the Institute of Conservation of Historic and 

Artistic Works in Ireland (ICHAWI) to assist them with 

the establishment of an office and administrative 

centre. The Council also continued its development 

and implementation of a training strategy for the 

museum sector. This work included: 

• The preliminary outline for a cultural leadership 

programme 

• The placing of the Diploma in Museum and Cultural 

Management developed by the Heritage Council with 

the Irish Museums Association in a third level college 

• Making available on relevant websites a database on 

museum statistics and information 

• A survey of the museum sector, North and South, to 

elicit views on the proposed diploma 

Carved Sandstone Workshop at Clonfert, 

County Galway 

A workshop was held in Clonfert on 16th May to 

examine the issues relating to the carved sandstone at 

the Romanesque Doorway at St Brendan’s Cathedral. 

The workshop was attended by twenty-five people 

representing the main interests and expertise in 

Ireland on the scientific and conservation issues 

surrounding the conservation of stone monuments. 

Louise Harrington Cork County Council, Beatrice Kelly Inland Waterways, Officer Michael 

McNamara Council Member. 


Page 28 

Corporate Governance 

The Heritage Council’s policy is to maintain the highest standards of corporate 

governance, in line with generally accepted policies and practices. The Council is 

committed to complying with the relevant provisions of the "Code of Practice for 

the Governance of State Bodies", published by the Department of Finance in 2001. 

The Council has established a Finance and Audit committee, which regularly reviews 

the system of internal control and engages external expertise in the carrying out of 

its functions, including the internal audit function as appropriate. The Council 

complies with Government guidelines for the appraisal and management of Capital 

Expenditure in the public sector. The Council complies with all aspects of Government 

requirement for public procurement and competitive tender, including EU 

guidelines. Government policy on pay and directors’ fees is also complied with. 

The Council is fully tax compliant and does not engage in "offensive" tax avoidance 

transactions. 

Prompt payments 

The Heritage Council is required to Comply with the requirements of the European 

Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002 and its 

predecessor, the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 (collectively the "regulations"). 

The Council’s standard terms of credit taken, unless otherwise specified in 

contractual arrangements, are 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Procedures 

have been implemented which provide reasonable assurance against material noncompliance 

with the Regulations. While the procedures are designed to ensure 

compliance with the Regulations, they can only provide reasonable and not 

absolute assurance against material non-compliance with the ACT. 

A review of all payments made during the year ended 31 December 2003 shows 

6 payments totalling €23,542 giving rise to an interest penalty of €202 under the 

above regulations. 


Page 29 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

OF THE HERITAGE COUNCIL 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 

31 DECEMBER 2003 


Page 30 

The Heritage Council 

2003 Financial Statements 




Page 31 

• 

• 

• 

• 


Page 32 





Income and Expenditure 

Account For the Year ended 

31 December 2003 

Page 33 


Page 34 


Balance Sheet 

as at 31 December 2003 



Notes to the Financial Statements 

For the year ended 31 December 2003 

Page 35 


Page 36 



for the year ended 31 December 2003 





Page 37 


Page 38 





Page 39 


Page 40 





Page 41 

THE HERITAGE COUNCIL 

SCHEDULE 1 

TO THE FINANCIAL 

STATEMENTS 


Page 64 

APPENDIX A: COMMITTEE 

MEMBERS FOR 2003 

Standing Committee on Archaeology 

Council Members 

Michael Mc Namara, (Chairperson), Michael 

MacMahon, Maurice Hurley, Con Costello, 

Appointed by the Minister 

Ted Creedon, Michael Gibbons, 

Appointed by Council 

Liam Downey, Margaret Gowen, Brian Lacey 

Standing Committee on Architecture 


Mary Bryan (Chairperson), Con Costello, Primrose 

Wilson, Ruth Delany, Mary Moylan 


Fionnuala May, Christine Casey, Finola Reid 


Paul Arnold, Loughlin Kealy 

Standing Committee on Wildlife 


Nicholas O’Conchubair (Chairperson) Michael 

MacMahon, Simon Berrow, Michael McNamara 


Seamus Kelly, John Murphy, Des Crofton 


Rosaleen Dwyer 

Standing Committee on Inland Waterways 


Michael McNamara (Chairperson), Nioclás O 

Conchubhair, Ruth Delany 


John Keane, Colin Becker, Daphne Levinge 


Ian Bath 

Museums & Archives Committee 


Con Costello (Chairperson), Tómas Ó Caoimh, Virginia Teehan 

Members appointed by Council 

Colum O’Riordan, Pat Wallace, Siobhan Raferty 

Education & Communication Committee 


Primrose Wilson (Chairperson), Nessa Dunlea, William 

Smyth 


Catherine Gralton, Leo Hallissey 

Finance/Audit Committee 


Nessa Dunlea (Chairperson), Tom O’Dwyer, Virginia 

Teehan, Michael MacMahon 

Marine & Coastal Committee 


Ruth Delany (Chairperson), Willie Smyth, Simon 

Berrow, Michael McMahon 

Nicolas O Conchubhair 


Leo Hallissey, Ted Creedon, Cilian Roden, Gillian Mills 

Planning Review Group 


Ruth Delany (Chairperson), Mary Moylan, Mary Bryan 


Paul Arnold, Michael Gibbons, Seamus Kelly, 

Fionnuala May 


APPENDIX B: LINKS 

Page 65 

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 – 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 

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. 

• 

President of Europarc 

• 

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 (NI), 

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 


APPENDIX C: PUBLICATIONS 

Page 66 

Our full range of publications can be purchased 

directly via the Wordwell Limited website at 

www.wordwellbooks.com, or by telephoning Wordwell 

at 01 2862649, Fax: 01 2864215, E-mail: 

wordwell@indigo.ie. Publications can also be 

downloaded from the Heritage Council's website at 

www.heritagecouncil.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 

- 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 

- 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 Irish Thatched Roofs and The 

National Heritage 

- Policy Paper on Ireland’s Landscape and the National 

Heritage 

- Policy Framework for The Irish Museum Sector 

- Policy Paper on a National Biological Records Centre 

Conference Proceedings 

- Taking Stock of our Ecclesiastical Heritage – Kilkenny, 

February 1997 (ISSN 1393-6808) 

- Policies and Priorities for Ireland’s Landscape – 

Tullamore, County Offaly, April 1999 (ISSN 1393-6808) 

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 (ISBN 1 901137 04 X) 

- Irish Thatched Roofs – Is their future a thing of the 

past? (ISSN 1393 68 08) 

Reports 

- Evaluation of Environmental Designations in Ireland 

(ISBN 1-901137-01-5) 

- An Assessment of the Scientific Interest of the Dune 

System at White Strand, Doonbeg, County Clare (ISBN 1 

901137 03 1) 

- A Report on a Survey of Museums and their 

Collections in Counties Longford, Mayo and Tipperary 

South Riding (ISSN 1393-6808) 

- Archaeology and Forestry in Ireland (ISBN 1 901137 02 3) 

- Impact of Agricultural Schemes and Payments on 

Aspects of Ireland’s Heritage (ISSN 1393 – 68 08) 

- Regulatory Environment for the Management and 

Repair of Historic Buildings (ISSN 1393 – 68 08) 


Page 67 

- The Introduction of a Standard and Accreditation 

Scheme for Irish Museums (ISSN 1393 – 68 08) 

- An Assessment of Farming Prescriptions under the Rural 

Environment Protection Scheme in the Uplands of the 

Burren Karstic Region, County Clare (ISSN 1393 – 68 08) 

- 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 

- A Wexford Farmstead: the conservation of an 18thcentury 

farmstead at Mayglass 

Joint Publications 

- The Irish Heritage and Environment Directory 1999 

(ISBN 09534426 0 8) (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) 


Page 68

Annual Report 2003 Part One - The Heritage Council

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