County Cork Heritage Plan 2005-2010
The first ever Heritage Plan for Co. Cork was launched by Minister Batt O'Keeffe, Minister of State in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on Thursday 8th September 2005.
The plan was prepared by the Co. Cork Heritage Forum, an advisory group to Cork Co. Council that includes elected representatives as well as representatives of communities and organisations with an interest in, or responsibility for, the care and protection of heritage in Cork. It was prepared through a consultation process involving both the wider community and experts from various heritage related backgrounds who participated in the process through involvement on working groups that looked at particular heritage aspects. The aim of the plan is to secure benefits for local heritage and to increase awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage by all of the people of Cork.
The plan contains 46 actions which it is hoped will deliver better access for all to information on all aspects of heritage; deliver more support to local communities groups and individuals working on heritage projects; raise levels of awareness of and appreciation for heritage in the county; fill in certain known gaps in information; help to enhance communication between those involved with or who have an interest in heritage in the county; and provide training and support to heritage professionals and others in the county.
A number of actions have already been initiated since the plan was adopted by Cork Co. Council in May of this year. These include the launching of three exhibitions in Mallow, Bandon and Youghal branch libraries to highlight the Co. Library local studies collection.
The Forum has also commenced work to establish a local history project for schools in the county which will be launched in 2006 and we are working with West Cork Leader to develop an local heritage studies evening class which we hope to run in a number of areas in the county in 2006. Work has also begun on the preparation of guidance for community groups on how to carry out a survey of the built heritage of their local area.
The plan is available to read in all branch libraries around the county. Further information is available from Sharon Casey, Heritage Officer, Cork Co. Council.
Site Related Queries/Information on the Heritage Council Grants Scheme
For queries relating to the listing of buildings on the Record of Protected Structures and the Conservation Grants Scheme please contact Louise Harrington, Conservation Officer or Nora O' Donnell, Assistant Conservation Officer, Heritage Unit, Cork Co. Council, Millview House, Cork. Tel: 021 4818000.
For queries relating to natural heritage, please contact either your local Conservation Ranger of the National Parks and Wildlife Service or Sharon Casey, Heritage Officer, Heritage Unit, Cork Co. Council, Millview House, Cork. Tel: 021 4818000.
