New County Heritage Plan To Be Developed In Clare

The conference, which will focus on community action, is being organised to explore the formation of the new Clare Heritage Plan, 2008-2013. The conference will feature presentations on such issues as funding, community heritage, built heritage, natural heritage, networking and the effectiveness of the Clare Heritage Plan since its introduction in 2003.

The event will also include addresses by Junior Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen and John Gittins of the Cheshire Landscape Trust, along with representatives of various community organisations from across Clare.

Mr. Gittins, who spoke at the last Clare Heritage Conference in June 2001, will discuss the importance of communities taking responsibility for their own heritage while Minister Killeen will explain how the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government can facilitate such actions.

"The five years since the launch of the first Clare Heritage Plan have seen a significant increase in heritage awareness and activity across Clare", stated Ms. Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer with Clare County Council.

She added, "The Clare Heritage Plan outlines objectives and actions that are deemed necessary to improve the conservation and promotion of our county’s heritage. We have built up a considerable network of community contacts since 2003 and we will be consulting with all of these people in relation to the formation of the new heritage plan, which will broadly inform heritage initiatives over the next five years".

"The conference presents a tremendous opportunity for members of the general public to have their say on the formation of the plan", explained Ms. McGuire.

County Clare has been leading the way in the appreciation and protection of heritage in Ireland for some time now. Clare County Council was one of the first counties to appoint a Heritage Officer and produce a Heritage Plan.

Commenting ahead of the upcoming conference, Cllr. Pat Hayes, Cathaoirleach of the Clare Heritage Forum, said, "Consultation with community groups and organisations is key to the development of any new Heritage Plan."

The Chairman of Clare County Council’s Community and Cultural SPC continued, "Community groups and activists are the most effective tools in addressing heritage issues, which is why it is important that the Clare Heritage Section maintains its strong relationship with local communities".

The Clare Heritage Conference takes place on 24th/25th April, 2008, at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. For further information contact the Heritage Section of Clare County Council (065-6821616).

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
- Cllr. Pat Hayes and/or Ms Congella McGuire are available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
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00353-656839692 (fax)