An Chomhairle Oidhreachta

Conserving Ireland's Maritime Heritage (2006)

Following several years’ research and consultation, the Heritage Council is calling for an integrated and strategic approach to the management of our coastal areas which places heritage at its core.

Download Conserving Ireland's Maritime Heritage (En) [PDF 1.7MB].

Download Conserving Ireland's Maritime Heritage (Gg) [PDF 1.4MB].

Integrating Policies for Ireland's Inland Waterways (2005)

This policy paper has been written in the light of heritage policy developments (the National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan) and the establishment of Waterways Ireland. Not withstanding these welcome developments, Ireland’s inland waterways and their corridors still urgently need a strategic approach. This document proposes a possible direction for a concerted and coordinated effort to ensure that the heritage, social, and economic value of all of Ireland’s waterways is enhanced.

Download  Integrating Policies for Ireland's Inland Waterways (En) here [PDF 6.6MB].

Download Integrating Policies for Ireland's Inland Waterways (Gg) here [PDF 5MB].

Recommendations for the Establishment of a National Biological Records Centre (2003)

An assessment of the need for a biological records centre in Ireland, proposing the most appropriate framework for making biological data available to policy and decision-makers. The recommendations contained in this policy paper set out how a National Biological Records Centre could be established, and identifies the resources needed.

Download Recommendations for the Establishment of a National Biological Records Centre here [PDF 2.87MB].

A Policy Framework for the Irish Museum Sector (2003)

This document sets out the framework from which the Museums Standards Programme for Ireland would be developed.

Download A Policy Framework for the Irish Museum Sector here [PDF 3.16MB].

Forestry & the National Heritage: A Review of the Heritage Council's Forestry Policy (2002)

The Heritage Council's 1st Policy Paper on Forestry & the National Heritagewas published in 1999, three years after the Government's Strategic Plan forthe forestry sector (Forest Service, 1996). The most important changes since 1996 have been stimulated by international policy developments. Currently, the emphasis is on sustainable forestry management, arising from recent international agreements and certification of forest products. The other significant policy changes are to legislation relating to forestry and the introduction of the Native Woodland Scheme.

Download Forestry & the National Heritage: A Review of the Heritage Council's Forestry Policy here [PDF 184KB].

Policy Paper on Ireland's Landscape & the National Heritage (2002)

The approaches proposed here are designed to allow those with responsibility for the management and development of landscape to assess the policies they are implementing against specific indicators relating not only to heritage value/quality but also aspects such as economic development, social aspects and potential for land use change.

Download Policy Paper on Ireland's Landscape & the National Heritage here [PDF 286KB].

Policy Paper on Heritage Awareness in Ireland (2000)

This report presents the first ever survey results from the general public on heritage awareness in Ireland, clearly illustrating the importance the public places on heritage, perceived benefits of heritage and its conservation, and commonly held attitudes towards the protection of our heritage.

Download Policy Paper on Heritage Awareness in Ireland here [PDF 2.17MB].

Proposals for the Future of Ireland's Inland Waterways (1999)

This consultation document was the first stage in the Council’s process of proposing an integrated policy for Ireland’s inland waterways to Government that incorporates a co-ordinated strategic approach to their future development. With the changing function of the waterways from commercial navigations to recreational use, the Council sees the need to promote a broad-based approach to the management of this aspect of our heritage resource.

Download Proposals for the Future of Ireland's Inland Waterways here [PDF 164KB].

Download Consultative Document on the Future of Ireland's Inland Waterways here [PDF 341KB].

Policy Paper On Urban Archaeology & The National Heritage (1999)

Urban archaeology currently accounts for over half of all Irish archaeological investigations. The annual number of full excavations doubled and investigations of all types increased fivefold in the 1990s compared with the 1980s. This huge increase in archaeological activity is a measure of how Irish archaeology, particularly in urban areas, has been severely stretched to cope with the pace of development.

The recommendations of this policy document seek to reorganise the mitigation, administration and conduct of urban archaeology so that the community as a whole is better served. The acceptance of the recommendations will secure long-term benefits for our heritage and for the urban communities which are experiencing development.

Download Policy Paper On Urban Archaeology & The National Heritage here [PDF 1.07MB].

Policy Paper on: Agriculture & the National Heritage (1999)

If existing schemes are to be retained the Council considers the recommendations contained in this report to be essential for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage. However, the Council’s work in other areas, particularly its examination of state sector spend on heritage, suggests that the potential impact of agriculture as a whole extends beyond these schemes and impacts on the entire socio-economic structure of the countryside.

Download Heritage Council's Policy Paper on: Agriculture & the National Heritage here [PDF 78KB].

Policy Paper on: Forestry & the National Heritage (1999)

Forestry has considerable potential to enhance Ireland’s biological and landscape diversity, offering aesthetic and amenity benefits while safeguarding our existing heritage and providing real economic benefit to local communities. However, it also has the potential to cause considerable damage to Ireland’s heritage. The recommendations in this report seek to ensure the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage within the context of the Heritage Council's Strategic Plan.

Download Heritage Council's Policy Paper on: Forestry & the National Heritage here [PDF 106KB].