Foilseacháin & Tuairiscí

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

The survey identified 3,168 excavations for the period between 1930 and 1997. A total of 1,353 reports were classified as unpublished (43%). Eighty-one reports were considered to be of national significance, while a further 340 reports were of regional significance and should be published in either a journal or as part of a ‘synthetic package’. 

Category 3 reports represent the largest class of unpublished material (431 excavations), and their potential for further publication needs careful consideration. Less significant excavations constitute a relatively small number of reports (186). The component of the backlog that can clearly be defined as suitable for publication in its own right accounts for 421 reports.

These indicators relate not only to heritage value and quality but also aspects such as economic development, social aspects and potential for land use change.

The remains of our industrial past can be seen throughout the country: bridges, canals, railways and stores still in use, all bear testimony to the work of past generations. However, there are other signs too - derelict buildings, rusting machinery, lone chimneys marking the sites of once-thriving industries. 

Appendices: Waterway Corridor Study of the Shannon from Shannonbridge to Meelick, and the Grand Canal from Ballycommon to Shannon Harbour 9.1MB

The report indicates that in the areas studied, 34% of the monuments known to have existed have been destroyed. It suggests that in the years preceding the report the rate of destruction, far from decreasing through improved legislation and raising awareness, had in fact accelerated.

They are intended to be complementary to the published policies of the government on the protection of the archaeological heritage and are not a substitute for the need for published guidance to planning authorities from the central government on archaeology in the planning process. The guidelines are in technical rather than legal terms, in order to help improve professional practice and procedures.

There has been a dramatic increase in testing and monitoring in the last number of years, 94.5% of all licensed test excavations and 93% of monitoring have occurred since 1990. The study is based on audits and quality assessments of a sample of recent monitoring and assessment reports and on consultations with professional archaeologists involved with the authorisation and execution of testing and monitoring investigations. The results of this study showed up many problems with both monitoring and testing procedures and reporting.

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 acceptance of the recommendations will secure long-term benefits for our heritage and for the urban communities which are experiencing development.