Heritage Council welcomes appointment of new Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity

Congratulating the new minister on the appointment, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan said:

“On behalf of the Heritage Council, I would like to congratulate Minister O’Sullivan on his appointment as Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. We are very much looking forward to working with him and his new colleagues at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to help advance heritage protection and access over future years.

“It has been an exciting time for the heritage sector having seen annual exchequer funding for heritage increase by an impressive 174% since 2019. The Heritage Council has played a pivotal role in advancing several key initiatives, including the appointment of heritage professionals in local authorities nationwide and a remarkable 93% increase in funding for heritage projects since 2019.

“We are delighted to see several of our future objectives reflected as priorities in the Programme for Government. These include the establishment of a Heritage Research Unit in the Heritage Council and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Skills in Ireland. We look forward to working with Minister O’Sullivan to help deliver these crucial initiatives. By continuing to invest in our heritage, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to engage with and appreciate Ireland’s rich built, natural and cultural heritage.”