Ireland’s landscape is enriched by its heritage of farm-houses and outbuildings, its field patterns and the nature of the boundaries that divide them. The landscape of Ireland is predominantly an agricultural one, and farmers have been its guardians. In times past, the occupants of
traditional farmhouses and their associated farmsteads were often also their builders. They made clever use of materials available locally and they built in accordance with a language of construction that was shared by their community.

Ireland has a rich legacy of stained glass. Fine examples of the art can be found in public and private buildings across the country, but mainly in our churches.The work of some of the finest European, English and Irish artists graces great cathedrals, historic buildings and humble churches. This booklet is intended as a guide for the custodians of these treasures, to
assist them in their care and conservation.

The policies contained in this Conservation Plan provide a detailed methodology for approaching the conservation of the doorway of the cathedral while recognising the importance of its setting within the cathedral and within the attendant grounds. The Plan also provides policies for conserving the other elements of the complex, recognising that the significance of the site as a whole is as important as the significance of its parts.

The Church of St Lachtain in Freshford, County Kilkenny is a place of great antiquity. This Conservation Plan clearly and unequivocally states the significance of this monument and gives the church a prominence in the ecclesiastical history of Ireland which had hitherto been largely unrecognised.

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.

While this toolkit deals specifically with community-led VDS, it is hoped that the information and guidance provided on relevant structures, processes, outputs and potential outcomes will enable and empower local communities throughout the island of Ireland to become involved in shaping their local environments.

The toolkit was prepared by the Heritage Council in partnership with Dublin City Council and Meath County Council; and in collaboration with the village communities of both Sandymount, Dublin and Julianstown, Co. Meath.

The remains of our industrial past can be seen throughout the country: bridges, canals, railways and stores still in use, all bear testimony to the work of past generations. However, there are other signs too - derelict buildings, rusting machinery, lone chimneys marking the sites of once-thriving industries. 

In 2011 the Heritage Council estimated that there are 38,171 protected structures in Ireland.

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.