Vol. 566 No. 4
172 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to criticism expressed by An Taisce regarding the Government's record in having the country's world renowned heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage Site list; when the last Irish site was entered on the list; if there are plans to add additional sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12954/03]
Ireland takes justifiable satisfaction in having had two unique heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the archaeological complex of the Boyne Valley in 1993, and the early Christian settlement of Sceilg Mhichíl/Skellig Michael in 1996.
A list of possible future nominations covering some eight additional sites has also been submitted to UNESCO. In principle, the inscription of a small number of further Irish sites on the UNESCO list is desirable. It must, however, be borne in mind that extensive designations of heritage sites for national and EU purposes has been taking place since the notification of our World Heritage Sites. In addition, UNESCO has reduced the number of nominations it accepts annually and is at present giving preference to considering nominations from developing countries and countries which have no inscriptions.
