Foilseacháin & Tuairiscí

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.

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.

Research work was undertaken in several directions: drafting and circulation of a questionnaire on Building Regulations and their impact on historic buildings to the construction design professions - architects, engineers, and surveyors; drafting of a
similar questionnaire and its circulation to Building Control, Fire and Planning Authorities throughout the State; interviews with
interested individuals; and analyses of legislation, regulation and practice here and in selected countries abroad, notably
the United Kingdom and the United States.

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.