Publications & Reports

The remit for this study was to inform national policy on issues relating to the conservation, enhancement and sustainable development of villages in Ireland. The stated aim was: “to examine the ways in which Village Design Statements have progressed and developed in Ireland, with particular emphasis on the involvement of the Heritage Council, Local Authorities / Local Authority Heritage Officers in VDS and the adoption of VDS as Supplementary Planning Guidance”.

One of the initiatives identified by the Heritage Council’s Strategic Plan 2007-2013 is that archaeological research issues and practice in the widest sense should be more overtly and consistently identified and from time to time reviewed. These research issues should also engage more with what both specialists and local communities find interesting about the past. To contribute to this the Heritage Council commissioned Mr George Lambrick to examine aerial archaeology in Ireland. Aerial Archaeology is the practice of using aircraft (or in some cases satellites) to provide a high-level view of the landscape based on conventional photography and a range of remote sensing technologies. That review is presented here.

In this issue:

ARE WE WILLING TO PAY FOR OUR HERITAGE?
A new report looks at the public’s concerns for the state of our heritage
FARMING ON THE EDGE
The benefits of traditional farming methods and its value for wildlife
FROM RAGS TO RICHES
Remembering Catherine Hayes, Ireland’s first operatic diva
ARE WE CONSERVING OUR NATURAL ARTERIES?
Ignorance of the broad benefits of our hedgerows is leading to their destruction
HERITAGE WEEK 2007
WALLED TOWNS DAY
PRESERVING BUILDINGS AT RISK