Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
296. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position regarding the joint application by Ireland and Canada for UNESCO world heritage site status for the Trans-Atlantic Cable project between Valentia Island, County Kerry, and Heart's Content, Newfoundland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4943/24]
View answerThe process to inscribe a Tentative List site on the World Heritage List takes a number of years (minimum of five years) and is dependent on various factors. Each Tentative List site is different and, depending on its complexity, will progress through the nomination process at a different pace. As the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble Tentative List site is a "serial transnational" application with Canada, it will be progressed jointly by Ireland and Canada at both national/federal level and local/provincial level. My Department has met a number of times with both Parks Canada and Kerry County Council to discuss how the nomination should proceed. We are currently in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and Kerry County Council that will set out the overarching nomination structure, key milestones on the journey to inscription, and key responsibilities.
My Department recently published ‘A Guide to World Heritage Nomination’. Based on UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines and on international best practice, this is a non-statutory guide to assist local authorities, the public and key stakeholders understand the various World Heritage processes, timelines and requirements in an Irish context. This publication can be found at the link below:
www.worldheritageireland.ie/publication/a-guide-to-world-heritage-nomination-world-heritage-advice-series-no-1/
