Winner 2012: Buncrana Lighthouse Restoration Project, Co. Donegal
The primary aim of the restoration and relocation of the old Buncrana Lighthouse was to preserve a piece of maritime local history and heritage on the shores of Lough Swilly by establishing a permanent site for the structure, while also creating a tourist attraction and a local amenity to be enjoyed.
One of the oldest surviving examples of the old style of lighthouses in Ireland, the Buncrana Historical Society, West Inishowen History & Heritage Group (WIHH), Buncrana TidyTowns, and the Town Council came together to save the lighthouse from becoming scrap metal when it was to be replaced by a new electric one. The lighthouse has now been sympathetically restored using materials faithful to the original and relocated to a suitable site to maintain the lighthouse's historic integrity while allowing community access for its continued enjoyment.
Feedback
An excellent example of a conservation project which brought the community together towards the long-term preservation of an important piece of history. Sufficiently fulfilled the requirements of 1). benefiting heritage, 2). involving the community and 3). motivating people.
1st Runner-up: Hill of Ward Local Heritage Project, Co. Meath
The Hill of Ward & Local Heritage Project represents an ongoing exploration and effort towards preservation of an important historical and archaeological site. High-quality, best practice research has been undertaken by individuals such as Dr. Steven Davis and Dr. Linda Shine from the UCD School of Archaeology to better understand the Hill of Ward’s features and their past uses.
Excellent community engagement was also demonstrated through the organisation of several lectures and presentations, actively seeking community input on development ideas such as the Heritage Trail in Athboy, and consistent communication with community members and project constituents. The Athboy TidyTowns committee and community at-large are effectively partnering to utilise the Hill of Ward for its tourism potential while remaining sensitive to the conservation needs of the site.
View the Hill of Ward LiDAR Report from Archaeology Ireland here [PDF 2.07MB].
Feedback
The Hill of Ward & Local Heritage Project represent a strong example of following best practices, community engagement and long-term potential, particularly in regard to community benefits, for an important site. The parameters of the overall project itself could have been better defined and bounded as it seemed to incorporate several sub-projects, and while recognising the flexible management of the project due to multiple partnerships functioning concurrently, the goals and objectives could still be more clearly identified to clarify the project’s expected outcomes.
2nd Runner-up: Kingstone Well, Co. Sligo
The aim of the Kingstone Well project in Ballymote, Co. Sligo is to improve access to the well, while reviving is historical place in the community through rekindling awareness and interest in the well. Conservation work on the Kingstone Well involved a minimalistic approach, disturbing the site and its natural flora and fauna as little as possible, with no alterations made to the well itself. Communication with the community was ensured through newsletters, the forthcoming production of a poster, and the assistance of Keash Village Enhancement Ltd.
Feedback
A well-laid out project that effectively outlined the essential criteria of benefits to heritage, communications with the community and sensitive conservation. Access improvements to the site could have been better illustrated in the supporting material and additional details on the conservation work that was carried out would have been beneficial.
Other Awards
- Sandymount Village Design Statement, 2011.
- Members of Bere Island Aquaculture Co-Op at work.
Sandymount Village
Sandymount Village won the Irish Planning Institute's (IPI) 'Urban Village Award', with a prize value of €1,000. Sandymount was the 1st 'urban village' to participate in the Heritage Council’s community-led, national Village Design Statement Programme (VDSP) and we are delighted that the achievements of the local community in Sandymount, Dublin City Council and the Heritage Council has been recognised today by the IPI. Sandymount VDS provides an innovative example of how local communities can become actively involved in environmental planning and management matters, to promote and enhance the ‘sense of place and identity’ of historic urban villages and to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Download Sandymount Village Design Statement (2011) [PDF 5.5MB].
Bere Island
Bere Island, Co. Cork received the 'Island Award' this year, where again the Heritage Council has been working with the local community since 2000. In consultation with the local community and Cork County Council, the Heritage Council produced the Bere Island Conservation Plan in 2003, the plan sets out policies and suggested actions for the development of the island, while being sensitive to the character and way-of-life of the island which the community wished to retain. The Heritage Council provided grant-aid for the implementation of the initial stages of the plan and has continued to provide assistance and advice to the community over the past number of years.
Read more about Bere Island Conservation Plan here >
The Heritage Council is delighted to be involved with these very worthwhile projects and wishes to congratulate the local communities involved for their hard-work and dedication - it has all been worth it!
Feedback for other Applicants
Thank you to all the applicants for the 2012 TidyTowns Heritage Award! It was a very competitive year and congratulations to those that made the Top 5. If you would like further information and feedback on your application submission, please contact Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at ismyth@heritagecouncil.ie.