Heritage Council

Framework to ensure best practice in management of Ireland's first World Heritage Site

Press Release : Friday 6th November 2009

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D. today launched the Heritage Council’s, Research Framework for the Brú na Bóinne, UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in County Meath.

The framework, which is the first of its kind in Ireland and the fourth worldwide, was drafted by the Heritage Council in collaboration with the National Monuments services of the DoEHLG.  

Speaking about the framework, Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation Services at the Heritage Council said, “this framework was drafted to promote new research in the Brú na Bóinne WHS. Implementation of this framework will create exciting new discoveries about life in Ireland in the past, lead to greater communication of research, and ensure better management and local involvement in the Brú na Bóinne WHS”.

The Brú na Bóinne passage tombs (Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth) contain the largest assemblage of Neolithic megalithic art in Western Europe and have played a central position in the narrative of society and settlement in Ireland. They are renowned worldwide and the role of research in promoting greater understanding of them should not be overlooked.

It was the work of the late Professor O’Kelly that discovered the solstice alignment of Newgrange and Professor Eogan who uncovered Knowth as a centre of Neolithic megalithic art. Such research has increased understanding of the significance of the complex and has contributed massively to the level of tourist interest, and the creation of local pride and sense of place.

“The drafting of this Research Framework comes at an opportune time, when there is renewed interest in the nomination of further World Heritage Sites in Ireland. The framework asks what new research we wish to see undertaken, where the gaps in our understanding are, how we can refresh and expand the level of knowledge presented to local communities and visitors, and how the expectations of experts inform research and management of the WHS”, commented Doyle.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley, T.D. commented that “this research framework can be seen as part of Ireland's ongoing commitment to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in particular as an investment in learning and understanding about our past in such a special place”.

The Research Framework proposes eighteen areas for further research under four themes; the big questions, the mega-tombs and related monuments, monuments and landscapes, and research and infrastructure. These recommendations will feed into the forthcoming review of the Brú na Bóinne Management Plan.

[ENDS ]

Note to Editor
The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.

Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.
The Heritage Council, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government conducted this Research Strategy on Brú na Bóinne. In the process of drafting the framework, a number of working groups were formed to draft reports on particular aspects of the framework, three public seminars were held and a consultation period was held. The completed framework was sent for review to universities, government bodies, members of the public and international experts with experience in World Heritage site management and research.

Brú na Bóinne and Sceilig Mhícíl in Kerry are the only World Heritage Sites in the Republic, the Giant’s Causeway in Antrim is the only one in Northern Ireland.

Further Information

Michelle Guinan
MKC Communications
T. 01 703 8604 / 086 384 6630

Ian Doyle
Head of Conservation Services
The Heritage Council
T. 086 832 9378

Isabell Smyth
Head of Communications & Education
The Heritage Council
T. 087 967 6889