Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

40 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the degree to which she intends to influence the development of national parks, heritages houses and themes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19180/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

As Minister with primary responsibility in relation to heritage, I have initiated the preparation of a national heritage plan in line with the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium. It is intended that the National Heritage Plan will set out strategies for the protection, conservation, management and presentation of the natural heritage, the architectural and archaeological, moveable and immoveable heritage, the inland waterways of the State, and documentary and archival heritage.

Aspects of the national heritage coming within the scope of the plan will include: (a) natural heritage, including flora and fauna, habitats, geological features and other biodiversity elements, particularly in the context of the proposed National Biodiversity Plan; (b) archaeological heritage, including archaeological sites, monuments, areas, landscapes, artefacts/objects on land and underwater; (c) architectural, artistic and historic heritage (including buildings, structures, parks, gardens and objects of architectural, artistic and historic importance; (d) natural and cultural landscapes; (e) inland waterways; and (f) documentary and archival heritage, including traditional music archives.

The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that the issues referred to in his question will fall for consideration in the context of the preparation of the National Heritage Plan. It is anticipated that the plan will be published next year.