Vol. 534 No. 4
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number and location of heritage projects throughout the country which have a particular objective of encouraging interest in local history; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11053/01]
While my Department does not undertake projects with the specific objective of encouraging interest in local history, all archaeological excavation and all interpretation at visitor facilities incorporates aspects of local history so that the heritage site is placed within its proper historical framework. The national heritage plan, which will be published later this year, will address the importance of community involvement in the protection of heritage and will provide for the development of local heritage plans. Local heritage plans will be directly relevant to people living in that area and will encompass all aspects of the heritage of a particular region, including local history. In addition, each year my Department co-ordinates and promotes national heritage week. The principal aim of this week is to make people aware of built and natural heritage, particularly local heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation. The Deputy should also be aware that the majority of the events during national heritage week are organised by volunteers or other interested groups. In 2000, many events focused on the history of local villages, on the impact of a great house on a locality, on local crafts, on industrial heritage and on the wealth of local interest in music and art. The estimated number of participants in national heritage week events in 2000 was over 200,000. My Department will continue to support national heritage week.
200 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the extent of the various heritage projects currently ongoing throughout the country; if these are located with a view to greater access for students, tourists and the population in general; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11054/01]
My Department is carrying out a large number of projects under the national development plan at heritage sites throughout the country. Some of the works are of a minor nature and are undertaken as part of an ongoing maintenance programme at 700 monuments in State care. Where projects are being carried out at a heritage site with visitor facilities, or at a new visitor centre, one of the objectives would be greater access for students, tourists and the population in general. At the launch of the national development plan, I outlined details of the projects to be undertaken by my Department during the period of the plan and I will forward a copy for the Deputy's information.
201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to promote an increased awareness of our heritage and culture in schools; if she has had any discussions with her colleague, the Minister for Education and Science in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11055/01]
I have always believed that the effective communication of the conservation message to children of school going age is a key element in our efforts to effectively protect our heritage in the long-term. To that end, I have instructed the education and visitor services division of my Department to examine how this message might be better delivered to schools, and in that context a number of avenues are being actively considered. In January 2000, I announced a scheme of free educational visits for schools, under which primary and secondary school pupils have free access to Dúchas sites on a pre-booked basis. Since then, over 68,000 pupils have visited heritage sites under this scheme. As the scheme develops it will give many more schoolchildren a real experience of their heritage which they will learn from and enjoy.
A schools outreach programme would involve a more effective system for liaison by my Department's heritage sites and properties with local schools while the preparation of an appropriate heritage module, for use by transition years, and a video would present the essentials of the heritage message in clear and easily understood terms. The Heritage Council's heritage in schools initiative is considered to be a very good model. Discussions have commenced between Dúchas and the Heritage Council with a view to developing a strategic alliance between the two services on this it. In 1999 and 2000 performances were given at heritage sites by theatrical companies, the main focus of which was interaction with children on the history of the sites. During national heritage week many child orientated events take place.
