Publications & Reports

The report examined in particular the impact of agriculture on aspects of our natural heritage. It expresses the positive view that certain types of agricultural activity should be more valued because of their tremendous contribution to maintaining diversity within the nation's natural heritage. 

The report goes on to point out that in many instances it is these very activities and the habitats they maintain which are threatened by competition from other land uses.

The Water Framework Directive came into force on 22 December 2002 and covers water resources throughout the EU. It addresses all water, from groundwater to coastal areas of sea water, and gives us a framework for

dealing with both water quality and water quantity.

The Museums Standards Programme for Ireland was established subsequent to the publication of this paper.

This programme, the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, sets out to improve all aspects of Ireland’s museum practice. A voluntary programme, it has attracted involvement from across the cultural spectrum - from national institutions to small, volunteer-led organisations.

It is anticipated that the Conservation Plan will be of use for: 

• Improving local understanding of the walls and their significance
• Promotion of the recognition and protection of the walls
• Encouragement of management schemes for effective maintenance
• Guidance for repairs and conservation
• Protection of the setting from adjacent developments
• Improving access to the walls.

In addition, the Conservation Plan will consolidate the extensive documentation relating to the City Walls found in local records, historical mapping and national documents. The data can then be disseminated in a manageable form, from which the policies for protection and preservation can be developed.

The Water Framework Directive came into force on 22 December 2002 and covers water resources throughout the EU. It addresses all water, from groundwater to coastal areas of sea water, and gives us a framework for dealing with both water quality and water quantity.

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 preparation of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan is part of an overall process that the government initiated to address heritage concerns and to fulfill international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Local Biodiversity Action Plans are required under the National Biodiversity Plan which was adopted by Government in 2002. These guidelines were prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in co-operation with the Heritage Council.

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.