Publications & Reports

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.

Ancient human remains merit special consideration as archaeological objects for a number of reasons. Not least of all is their emotive power, offering startling and immediate contact with the dead and a powerful reminder of the inescapable fate of the living. To archaeological specialists they constitute a valuable historical and scientific resource, inscribed with evidence of the working life, living conditions, diet, traumas and diseases of past generations. To developers and planners ancient human remains bring added complexity to projects impacting upon the archaeological heritage.

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.

Based on the findings of this research, a number of recommendations have emerged, which if implemented would, in the Council’s opinion, provide greater efficiency and quality as well as cost-effective support for our architectural heritage.

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.

The vision for Rothe House involves ensuring the protection, long-term survival and enhancement of the complex, in addition to promoting and interpreting the history of the house to the public.

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.