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Archaeological Sites

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2010

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Ceisteanna (119)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

117 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the forthcoming procedure involved following the submission of the Tara complex to UNESCO for possible inclusion as a world heritage site; the benefits to the area if this application is successful; the land area involved; and the requirements on the local authority to amend its development plan if this application is successful. [18474/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Tara Complex has been included in Ireland's new Tentative List of potential nominees to the World Heritage List submitted to UNESCO as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland series. The submission of the Tentative List to UNESCO is a different process to that of the nomination of a property to the World Heritage List. Such a nomination takes considerable time to prepare and each property nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List is subject to evaluation by UNESCO, normally, over an 18 month period.

My Department is presently reviewing the strategy for advancing nominations to the World Heritage List. Consideration will be given to the order of the proposed nomination of properties on the Tentative List to the World Heritage List as part of this review.

The proposed nomination of the Tara Complex as part of the Royal Sites of Ireland series will require the preparation of comprehensive nomination documentation including a management plan for the property. Consideration of the land area involved and the need for any amendments to the County Development Plan will take place at that stage. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders including the local community will be an important part of the process.

World Heritage inscription brings increased international recognition for Ireland and increases public awareness of the outstanding universal value of the inscribed property. Inscription on the World Heritage List brings a potential increase in tourist activity around the property and the region.

The Deputy may also be aware of the Tara-Skryne Pilot Landscape Conservation Area project currently underway. The initiative is a partnership project between Meath County Council, the Heritage Council and my Department, working with the local community and all stakeholders in a collaborative and participative manner. The project will progress objectives and policies contained in the Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013 which seek to designate a Landscape Conservation Area for the Tara-Skryne Area under the Planning and Development Act, 2000. The overall aim is to develop a framework to manage change in a manner which will safeguard the character and values of this landscape. I understand that the draft boundary for such a designation by Meath County Council is now on public display.

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