Foilseacháin & Tuairiscí

The Water Framework Directive came into force on 22 December 2002 and covers water resources throughout the EU. It addresses all water, from groundwater to coastal areas of sea water, and gives us a framework for dealing with both water quality and water quantity.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre was established subsequent to the publication of this paper. The centre ensures that the existing information is managed effectively, it makes information more readily available to all interested parties, and stimulates interest in Ireland’s rich natural heritage.

The preparation of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan is part of an overall process that the government initiated to address heritage concerns and to fulfill international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Local Biodiversity Action Plans are required under the National Biodiversity Plan which was adopted by Government in 2002. These guidelines were prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in co-operation with the Heritage Council.

The aim of the report is to:

• Providing a succinct review of best practice procedures for ICZM.
• Summarising the findings of those practices most commonly used at different levels of administration and those that seemed to be more site/area specific.

Common principles were identified from international projects, particularly the EU Demonstration projects, including the Bantry Bay Charter. Examination of the Irish experience of ICZM formed a substantial section of the research. Techniques in the implementation of the ICZM and mechanisms to engage the public and other involved agencies are also reviewed.

The Plan was developed by  the  Bere  Island  Community  with  assistance  from  a  consortium  of  specialist consultants and co-funded by Cork County Council and the Heritage Council. It is  not  an  economic  development  plan  for  the  island  but  a  framework  within which any subsequent development plan should operate.

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.

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.

The Heritage Council’s examination of state sector spend on heritage suggests that agriculture as a whole impacts on the entire socio-economic structure of the countryside.

With the increased interest in and awareness of environmental and heritage issues, it is hoped that this report will make a positive contribution to the progression of sustainable development strategies at all levels in Ireland.

This report reviews the threats faced by some of our most important coastal heritage sites, and shows clearly the
enormous task facing statutory authorities in putting in place policies and practices to ensure that there is no further deterioration of the heritage value of these sites.