Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
940. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if assistance will be provided to a key global heritage site (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12052/20]
View answerThe site mentioned by the Deputy is included in Ireland's Tentative List of World Heritage sites which is currently under review by my Department. Once the updated Tentative List is finalised, the Department will work with relevant stakeholders to further progress sites towards World Heritage nomination. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed by summer 2021. The updated Tentative List will include those sites that have been able demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, the presence of appropriate management frameworks, and robust local stakeholder support. These are the key issues at play when considering the placement of a site on the World Heritage Tentative List, or when deciding to submit a formal nomination for World Heritage status to the UNESCO World Heritage committee.
With regard to the need for broadband connectivity on the site, this would be a matter for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. The Deputy will of course be aware of the commitments in the draft Programme for Government to seek to accelerate the National Broadband Plan and to work with local authorities to establish designated groups to help facilitate local roll-out of the infrastructure.
