Foilseacháin & Tuairiscí

Report on the activities of the Heritage Council including financial statements for 2006.

The study involved review and evaluation of the LCAs in the context of the original objectives of the LCA programme, as set out in the (then) Department of the Environment and Local Government consultation draft Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines. The evaluation also considered how the LCA programme in Ireland measures up to good practice in LCA elsewhere in Europe. Telephone consultations, with those involved in the preparation and use of the LCAs and with a range of national bodies, explored the ways in which LCA has been applied, and the influence that it has had on decision-making in relation to development and management of the landscape in Ireland. Case studies of LCA elsewhere in Europe were also undertaken to identify any useful lessons and pitfalls.

The island of Ireland has a long and complex coastline in relation to its land area. This interface between land and sea contains some of the finest parts of our natural and man-made heritage. The natural heritage includes rocks, marine and coastal habitats and marine life, including plankton, shellfish, fish, seabirds, whales and seals. Our human heritage is rich and varied including coastal and island communities, traditional boats, historical fishing methods, shipwrecks, and coastal archaeology.

Archaeological monuments such as moated sites and ringforts are the former homesteads of previous farming communities. Farming has been a vital force in developing our heritage and modern non-intrusive farming practices continue to preserve and shape our historic landscapes. This valuable legacy is something we should try to understand, cherish and protect for ourselves and for future generations.

A primary recommendation is the need for a cohesive strategy for the sustainable use and

development of marine and coastal areas, one which identifies important heritage features
and provides for their long-term protection. The strategy should be based on a comprehensive
review of relevant policies and measures currently in place and their efficacy to date and include
a management framework for environmental protection and management. Importantly, this
strategy should also be supported by a campaign to raise awareness and improve education
regarding maritime heritage.

Council’s 2005 report highlights the core work which has been carried out in a number of
areas. These include partnerships, policy proposals and priorities, and promotional
work.

Appendices 4.36MB Zipped Folder 
Shannon Meelick Limerick Maps 13.68MB Zipped Folder 

In this issue:

PREHISTORIC MUSIC IN IRELAND
exploring prehistoric musical instruments in Ireland
THATCHING IN IRELAND
the role of thatch in vernacular architecture
BIODIVERSITY DAY
full list of events inside
HERITAGE WEEK REGISTRATION • FURNITURE CONSERVATION • WATERFORD IMAGE ARCHIVE PROJECT

In this issue:

THE EAGLE’S RETURN TO DONEGAL
the Golden Eagle reintroduction project
THE IRISH FARMYARD
caring for the heritage of farm buildings
IRELAND’S FILM ARCHIVES
preserving our celluloid heritage
HERITAGE WEEK • BIODIVERSITY AND HUMAN HEALTH • TEXTILE CONSERVATION

The Museum and Archives Committee of the Heritage Council developed the questionnaire, with assistance from the Society of Archivists, Ireland, and the collection methodology involved a postal self-completion approach. A listing of approximately 212 Archives in Ireland was used and 130 Archives responded.