co sligo heritage plan 2007-2011

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COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2007-2011

A partnership plan prepared by the County Sligo Heritage Forum


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COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2007-2011A partnership plan prepared by the County Sligo Heritage Forum


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Acknowledgements

The County Sligo Heritage Forum wishes toacknowledge the role of the Heritage Councilin initiating this Heritage Plan in association withSligo County Council.

Sligo County Council and the County Sligo HeritageForum also acknowledges the support of the HeritageCouncil through the funding of the Heritage Officer

post in association with Sligo County Council.

Sligo County Council 2007

Thanks to: Siobhn Ryan, Barbara Dobson, SharonEastwood, Mark Keane, Niamh Lavin, Dara NCheallaigh, Mark Harrigan, Bartley Gavin andJanie Crone of Janie Crone Associates for facilitatingconsultation meetings.

Cover: Ballynagalliagh, Co. Sligo. Photo: Mark Keane

Photography by: Don Cotton, RSPB Images,Department of the Environment, Heritage & LocalGovernment, Mark Keane, Vince Vidal, Lisa McDaniel,Siobhn Ryan, R.S. Thompson & Sligo County

Council.

Design: Martin Corr at Red Eye Design.

Print: Turner Print Group Longford.

Publisher: County Sligo Heritage Office.

ISBN: 978-0-9555653-0-4

For further information contact:County Sligo Heritage OfficeCounty HallSligo County CouncilRiverside

SligoTel: 071 91 11226/91 11255Email: [email protected]

02


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Acknowledgements 02

01 Foreword 05

02 Introduction 09

03 Actions 15

04 Implementing the Plan 21

05 Appendices 25

A Membership of the County Sligo Heritage Forum 26

B Process of formulating the plan 27

C List of written submissions received 28

D Attendance at public consultation events 29

E Heritage legislation 30

F List of actions relating to biodiversity 31

06 Glossary 33

Contents


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Opposite page:Sligo Abbey.A ruined Dominican friary, itwas originally built in1253 by Maurice Fitzgerald.Photo: DEHLG


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01 Foreword


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In supporting the implementation of this pla

Sligo County Council aspires to improve t

quality of life of the citizens of Sligo. We wi

to promote an appreciation and understandi

of heritage in the community and to provi

opportunities to know, value and care for t

heritage of our beautiful county. The impo

tance of heritage to the people of Sligo

demonstrated by the many active herita

groups and organisations in the county. Obehalf of the council, I would like to acknow

edge the contribution they made to the impl

mentation of the first County Heritage Pl

from 2002 2006. This new plan will seek

strengthen those links and partnerships for t

benefit of Sligos heritage and I look forward

seeing many successful projects over the comi

years in which local communities work with t

council, government and other agencies in ma

aging our local heritage.

I would like to congratulate and thank all thowho participated in the process of preparing th

plan, particularly all those who made submi

sions or attended meetings. Your participatio

and involvement is invaluable. I would also li

to thank the Heritage Forum for their ha

work in preparing the plan. I look forward

the implementation of the actions outlined

the plan, which will have the full support of th

Council.

Cllr. Jimmy McGarry

Cathaoirleach

Sligo County Council

As Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, I am

proud to be associated with the publication of

the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011,

which is our second County Plan.

Through the work of the County Sligo Heritage

Forum and the County Sligo Heritage Office we

have seen Sligo County Councils involvement in

the provision of Heritage Services grow and

deepen. This development of Heritage Servicesat county level has occurred in the context of

the Councils Corporate Plan, The County

Development Boards Strategic Plan and the

Development Plans that are now in place for the

County. Heritage is important, and includes

everything that we have inherited from our

past, and want to maintain for our future.

Sligo has an exceptionally rich and diverse her-

itage, and it is this heritage that makes our

county special. The objectives and actions out-

lined in the plan are the result of extensive con-sultation with individuals, community groups,

agencies and indeed all who have an interest in

conserving Sligos heritage. The plan will seek

to strengthen existing partnerships and to forge

new ones for Sligos heritage and for the benefit

of the people of Sligo.

Over the last five years the Heritage Forum and

the County Sligo Heritage Office have worked

hard to provide a positive mechanism for the

Council to engage with the community in rela-

tion to heritage and the importance of heritage

in the economic, social and cultural develop-

ment of the county is being nurtured and recog-

nised. In essence, heritage provides the space for

our community to live and work, it is about

quality of life.


06

A Message from the Cathaoirleach

Cllr. Jimmy McGarry

CathaoirleachSligo County Council


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I am delighted to welcome the County Sligo

Heritage Plan 2007 2011. It sets out in broad

terms the direction that Sligo County Council,

in association with its partners proposes to take

in further developing its heritage services for

the people of Sligo.

Sligo has a very special identity, founded on a

unique heritage comprising its landscape, built

and natural heritage, and its cultural heritage. Aheritage which makes Sligo a very attractive

place in which to live and work.

Our county is developing at an unprecedented

level, underpinned by economic growth, the

National Development Plan and National

Spatial Strategy. Sligo is experiencing a renais-

sance that is expressed most tangibly in Sligos

development as a Gateway City. This focuses

our attention on the development of Sligo, as a

County, the identity of our county and how that

is to be developed in the future. Our Heritagehas a huge contribution to make in informing

that discussion and in being the resource and

cultural strength upon which we can continue

to draw and build.

We have seen the value of planning locally for

our heritage, through the successful implemen-

tation of the first County Sligo Heritage Plan

2002 2006, as guided by the County Sligo

Heritage Forum. This has laid the ground for

the Councils involvement in delivering a her-

itage service to the people of Sligo and we look

forward to building on this in the new five year

plan. I am delighted that Sligo County Council

was one of the first Local Authorities in Ireland

to take up the challenge of developing a heritage

service at county level in partnership with the

Heritage Council. We have benefited from that

partnership and look forward to strengthening

our links with the relevant agencies and indivi

uals in seeking the delivery of this ambitious fi

year programme.

The Plan will be supported and facilitated b

the Council in its implementation over the ne

five years and we are committed to improvin

the quality of life of the people we serve. W

recognise that local heritage management

founded on participation by the communitLocal Authority, Government, profession

bodies, NGOs, business and farming sector an

individuals. We have provided a space for

those interested or responsible for heritage

come together to plan a strategy of practic

action for the benefit of Sligos heritage. Slig

County Council is proud to be part of th

process.

I would like to thank all the members of th

Heritage Forum who gave their time generou

ly and worked hard to draft this plan, and to who made submissions. I look forward to t

implementation of the plan which will bring si

nificant benefits for our heritage and for t

people of Sligo. Our continued support

assured.

Hubert Kearns

County Manager


Message from the County Manager

Hubert Kearns

County ManagerSligo County Council


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08

As Chairperson of the County Sligo Heritage

Forum, it is a great honour for me to be associ-

ated with this publication, the second County

Heritage Plan for Sligo. Sligos heritage forges

a strong link with the people of our county

through its landscape, natural, cultural and built

heritage. The Heritage Forum collectively

recognises that our shared heritage resource

needs careful management and planning to

ensure its future protection and enhancement.

Since the formation of the County Sligo

Heritage Forum in April 2001, an enormous

amount of work has been achieved. Much of the

progress made to date is the product of a process

which has sought to involve individuals, com-

munity groups and agencies in caring for our

countys heritage.

Since the adoption of the first Sligo Heritage

Plan in 2002, the Heritage Forum, supported by

the Heritage Office, has made significantprogress through the collection of heritage data,

promoting best practice, heritage management

and raising awareness of our countys heritage

for all.

The County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011, sees

the Heritage Forum building on firm founda-

tions towards the future management of her-

itage in our county. The Heritage Forum has

always focussed on action and practical imple-

mentation and this central tenet has been

brought forward into the new Plan. The aim of

the Heritage Forum is

Working with the community to know, value and

care for Sligos heritage and to increase awareness,

appreciation and enjoyment of our heritage for all.

The Heritage Forum will in particular seek

promote partnerships for and participation

Sligos heritage over the next five years.

On behalf of the Heritage Forum, I would li

to sincerely thank all who contributed to th

Plan, it is hoped that they will see their visio

ideas and enthusiasm reflected in this, the se

ond heritage plan for our county. I would al

like to take this opportunity to thank all thmembers of the Heritage Forum who ha

assisted whole-heartedly in bringing this plan

fruition. The energy and commitment whi

each Forum member brings to the process h

brought the successes to date.

The Heritage Forum is supported and guided

the Heritage Office and on behalf of the Foru

I would like to acknowledge the work and assi

tance of the staff of the Heritage Office. T

support of Sligo County Council and t

Heritage Council in providing support for t

development and implementation of tHeritage Plan is also acknowledged.

Knowing, valuing and caring for our shared he

itage is the focus for the next five years. Th

Heritage Plan is for the benefit of all who li

and work in our county and on behalf of th

Heritage Forum, I encourage you to g

involved and to share in the many benefits th

a strong and vibrant heritage can bring to o

county.

Cllr. Patsy Barry

Chairperson of the County

Sligo Heritage Forum

A message from the Chairperson of the County Sligo Heritage Forum

Cllr. Patsy Barry

Chairperson of the CountySligo Heritage Forum


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02 Introduction


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Defining HeritageHeritage encompasses many things. It

embraces all that is considered our inheritance,

our identity, our culture. But trying to shape

and define our definition of heritage for Sligo is

important in the context of scarce resources,

prioritising action and ultimately making

progress for heritage at local level. The

Heritage Act (1995), defines heritage as includ-

ing the following; monuments, archaeological

objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage,flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes,

seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage gardens and

parks and inland waterways.

In a Sligo context, that definition of heritage

was broadened as part of the County Sligo

Heritage Plan 2002-2006 to include, place

names and folklore. During the consultation

phase for the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-

2011, it was proposed that the following aspects

of cultural heritage would also be included,

namely, crafts and traditional skills, museumsand archives and local history and traditions. It

is recognised that there is an overlap between

what has been defined as traditional arts and ele-

ments of cultural heritage. Matters relating to

Irish traditional arts fall within the remit of the

Arts Council and the County Sligo Arts Office,

as outlined in Towards a Policy for the

Traditional Arts (Arts Council, September

2004), the special committee on the traditional

arts agreed a definition of Irish traditional arts,

which includes: traditional music, song and

dance and oral arts such as storytelling and agal-lamh beirte.

Promotion of Irish is not a direct function of

the County Heritage Plan, but rather an ancil-

lary one. Sligo County Council appointed a part

- time Irish Officer in Autumn 2006 to progress

policy in relation to Irish. However, every

opportunity available to promote the Irish la

guage through the delivery of the Heritage Pl

will be availed of, particularly regarding pla

names.

Heritage in Context-National & LocalThe National Heritage Plan (2002) outlines t

Governments strategy for heritage. It reco

nizes that conservation and management of o

heritage plays an essential part in maintainin

quality of life and that it also brings economisocial and cultural benefits to society. T

National Heritage Plan highlights the prepar

tion of Local Heritage plans, the establishme

of Heritage Fora and the appointment

Heritage Officers as key delivery mechanism

for National heritage policy at local level.

The Governments strategy for biodiversi

outlined in the National Biodiversity Pl

(2002) also looks for the development of biod

versity action plans to be facilitated at local lev

by Local Authorities. Local Authorities aasked to nominate a Natural Heritage Conta

Officer and in many cases this falls to t

Heritage Officer, where they exist.

Both the National Heritage Plan and t

National Biodiversity Plan recognize the role

Local Authorities in leading, supporting a

developing the economic, social and cultur

development of a county. In this regard, Sli

County Council is perfectly placed as a k

partner to facilitate and support heritage dev

opment at local level.

At local level, the Sligo County Developme

Board prepared, An Integrated Econom

Social and Cultural Strategy for County Sli

2002-2012, which sets out a shared vision f

the economic, social and cultural developme

of the County. The strategy emphasises t


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Above:Decorative Gate at SligoGrammar School, The Mall,Sligo.Photo: Sligo County Council

Previous Page :An aerial view of the cashel atCrockacullion/Larkhill, Co.Sligo.

Photo: DEHLG


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importance of promoting cultural heritage. It

also emphasises the need for sustainable devel-

opment and environmental protection. The her-

itage element of the cultural strategy has been

delivered by the County Sligo Heritage Plan

2002 2006, and will continue to be delivered

through the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007

2011.

The Sligo County Development Plan 2005-2011,

is the legal and strategic land use managementplan for the county. It is the primary context

within which decisions relating to management

of the heritage resource are made daily. The

Heritage Plan is neither statutory nor legally

binding, but has a clear and important underpin-

ning and supporting role for the County

Development Plan. The actions undertaken

through the Heritage Plan seek to increase our

knowledge and inform management of the her-

itage resource, thereby strategically informing

the policies of the County Development Plan

and the decision making process that flows fromit. As such, the Heritage plan has a valuable and

important role in that regard. The Heritage

Plan also promotes the principle of local com-

munity involvement which is at the heart of

Local Agenda 21.

Managing Heritage LocallyHeritage management is the process of making

conscious and informed decisions about the

future of our heritage. Decisions in relation to

what aspects of heritage should be kept and

what are expendable are informed by our valuesand our understanding of the heritage resource.

We cannot predict what will be valued in the

future, so we can only move forward ensuring

that our decisions faithfully reflect our own val-

ues, and are informed by a clear understanding

of our heritage. There is a need to balance the

need for change with the desire for reasonable

conservation, while recognizing that it is nei-

ther possible nor desirable to conserve every-

thing. Managing heritage resources in an

informed way is essentially sustainable develop-

ment.

Heritage is managed at a national and local level,

in different ways by various organisations.

Providing a platform for heritage to be articu-

lated, developed and facilitated at county level, is

the strength of a Heritage Plan. The HeritagePlan is complementary to, and a link between

existing initiatives. It is a delivery mechanism

for action at county level and looks to address

the opportunities and gaps in the local heritage

environment. The nature of the Heritage plan

is that it can be adaptive and responsive to local

needs and may be in a position to carry out

actions that others cannot at local level.

Delivery Mechanisms at County LevelFaced with the broader cultural development of

the county and the provision of cultural servic-

es to the citizens of Sligo, Sligo County Council

has, since 2001, facilitated the establishment of

heritage structures to provide for the manage-

ment of heritage at local level. In April 2001,

the County Sligo Heritage Forum was estab-

lished by Sligo County Council. The Forum is

an advisory group which prepares and oversees


Above:Banada Bridge, Co. Sligo.A fivespan stone bridge builtc.1820 with uncoursed rubblelimestone walling rising to foparapets. The bridge spansnorth south over the RiverMoy.Photo: Sligo County Council


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the implementation of the Heritage Plan, and is

supported by the Heritage Office, Sligo County

Council. The Heritage Forum represents a

partnership between all the relevant stakehold-

ers representing, local government, develop-

ment agencies, the farming sector, government

agencies, the community sector and heritage

groups.

The Forum guided the development of the firstCounty Sligo Heritage Plan 2002-2006, which

prioritised and undertook action for heritage

through consensus and partnership. The plan

recognised that there are many other agencies,

groups and individuals working to progress her-

itage in the county, but that there was a real

opportunity to strengthen existing initiatives

and to address other areas that were not or could

not be attended to within existing frameworks.

It is proposed to broaden the membership of the

County Sligo Heritage Forum, to assist in the

implementation of the County Sligo Heritage

Plan 2007-2011 and also to establish working

groups for the areas of natural, built, archaeo-

logical and cultural heritage. The working

groups will oversee the implementation and

delivery of key actions during the lifetime of the

Plan.

Formulating the Heritage PlanThe Heritage Plan has been formulated by th

County Sligo Heritage Forum. It builds on t

successes and learning of the first County Sli

Heritage Plan 2002-2006 and represents a fu

ther deepening of the role of the Herita

Forum in shaping and contributing to the loc

heritage agenda. The Plan is not statutory

aspirational, it is a five-year work plan. T

actions that are set out are realistic and achie

able within the specified timeframe. It seeks co-ordinate heritage activity within the coun

to deliver benefits for Sligos heritage. T

actions put forward in the Plan reflect local pr

orities.

To ensure that the wider community of Sli

was meaningfully engaged in the development

the Plan, extensive public consultations we

held during May-June 2006. Opinion w

sought from organizations and individuals

the priorities for heritage in Sligo for the ne

five years. The process of formulating the Pl

and the attendance at public consultatio

undertaken are outlined in appendices B to

respectively. A report summarising the issu

raised during the public consultation phase h

informed the drafting of the Plan (Crone, 200

The implementation of the first Heritage Pl

2002-2006 has shaped our understanding an

expectations regarding the role and function

a Heritage Plan and its relationship with oth

policy and strategy documents. A number

actions which were not delivered through t

first plan have been brought forward for inclsion into the draft County Sligo Heritage Pl

2007-2011 where appropriate. Actions whi

were listed in the first Heritage Plan 2002-200

but which were outside the scope of delivery f

the Plan have not been brought forward f

inclusion in the new Plan. These are as follow


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Above:Ballindoon Abbey.A Dominican foundation, knownas St. Marys Priory which wasbegun in 1507 by ThomasOFarrell.Photo: DEHLG


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Left:Whorled Caraway Carum vertullatum in a meadow atCloontyprocklis, Grange,Co. Sligo.Photo: Don Cotton

Commission Landscape CharacterAssessment (LCA)A detailed landscape characterisation and

appraisal study was commissioned by Sligo

County Council and completed by CAAS

Environmental Consultants in 1997. This

resulted in a Development Control Policy Map,

which formed part of the Sligo County

Development Plan 1999-2004. The map classi-

fies the county according to its visual sensitivi-

ty and ability to absorb new development with-

out compromising the scenic character of the

area. It indicates, inter alia, designated; normal

rural landscapes, sensitive rural landscapes,

visually vulnerable areas and scenic routes. In

this context it is considered that an LCA already

exists for the county and that opportunities to

enhance it in future reviews of the County

Development Plan will be availed of, based on

development control experience and new data

sources.

Providing Heritage Expertise at CountyLevelSignificant progress has been made in facilitat-

ing heritage development at County Levelthrough the County Sligo Heritage Forum and

the adoption and implementation of the first

County Sligo Heritage Plan 2002-2006. This

work has been supported and facilitated by Sligo

County Council through the establishment of

the Heritage Office and the appointment of a

Heritage Officer. The County Sligo HeritageForum recommends the consolidation of the

heritage programme through providing for a

permanent County Sligo Heritage Office, with

appropriate staffing and funding levels.

The Heritage Forum also recognises that the

appointment of a County Archaeologist,

Conservation Officer and Archivist are essential

for the management of heritage at county level.

The Heritage Forum considers that it is beyond

the scope of the Heritage Plan to deliver such

heritage appointments. The Heritage Forum,

however, will continue to monitor opportunities

for such appointments to be made and will advo-

cate for and support Sligo County Council in

realising these heritage objectives as opportuni-

ty may provide.

A Strategy for BiodiversityIn responding to the requirement of the

National Biodiversity Plan 2002 for biodiversity

issues to be addressed at local level, a number of

actions for biodiversity have been included in

the Plan. These biodiversity actions are brought

together in appendix F and constitute the basisof a biodiversity strategy for the county. In

order for these actions to be progressed it is

recognised that a Biodiversity Working Group

and Biodiversity Project Officer will be needed

to deliver a biodiversity programme for the

county.



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Content of the PlanThe aim of the County Sligo Heritage Forum is,

Working with the community to know, value and

care for Sligos heritage and to increase awareness,

appreciation and enjoyment of our heritage for all.

Four strategic themes have been established to

facilitate structured heritage development over

the next five years. These themes are;

Heritage information

Best practice in heritage conservation and

management Awareness and education

Promoting partnership and participation

The County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011 sets

out 63 actions to be delivered within a five year

period to support the implementation of the

strategic themes. The Plan defines our collec-

tive objectives, provides the framework

enable us to measure progress, and defines t

actions needed to achieve them. It reflects com

mon purpose, and agreed action. It will requ

partnership and participation if the actions a

to be fulfilled. Implementation of the Plan w

be overseen by the Heritage Forum and appr

priate working groups, which will be support

and co-ordinated by the Heritage Office.


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Top Left:Butterflies on Ragwort.Photo: Mark Keane

Bottom Right:Dune management at ShellyValley, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.Photo: Lisa McDaniel

Opposite Page:Bluebells at Barnaribbon.Photo: Mark Keane


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03 Actions


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16

THE FOLLOWING PLAN STRUCTURE HAS BEEN ADOPTED

Strategic ThemesThese have been established to facilitate structured heritage development over the next five year

These articulate broad statements of intent, which will define the work of the County Sligo Herita

Forum and the Heritage Office.

PoliciesWhich identify the means to support each strategic theme.

ActionsWill be initiated to realise the policies identified.

THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIC THEMES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED

Heritage InformationTo advise on, promote and contribute to the development of a comprehensive heritage database f

Sligo, and to ensure the effective use of heritage data in policy formulation and decision making in th

County.

Best Practice in Heritage Conservation and ManagementTo promote, and advise on, best practice standards for heritage conservation and management amon

key stakeholders and practitioners.

Awareness and EducationTo facilitate and strengthen the awareness, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Sligo

Heritage.

Promoting Partnership and ParticipationTo promote greater co-operation and co-ordination between all sectors of society for the benefit

heritage in Sligo.

The following actions are arranged under four themes, Heritage Information, Best Practice in Heritage Conservatiand Management, Awareness and Education and Promoting Partnership and Participation. Within each themactions have been organized into several groups to facilitate implementation. Grouping actions in this way will facitate co-operation and co-ordination between working groups, so that projects and issues can be addressed in integrated way. The working group(s) proposed to address the actions outlined below are indicated beside thaction.

THE AIM OF THE COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE FORUM IS:Working with the community to know, value and care for Sligos heritage and to increaseawareness, appreciation and enjoyment of our heritage for all

Above:Blue Eyed Grass, Sisyrinchiumbermudiana is a kind of iris thatis very local in wet meadows in

Glencar from where it has beenknown since 1904. In Ireland, itis a native plant confined towestern counties and is listedin the Red Data Book but is notafforded any protection. It isabsent as a native species inGreat Britain.Photo: Don Cotton


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COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2007-2COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2007-2

1.0 HERITAGE INFORMATION

Audit existing sources of heritage information

1.1 Survey all existing sources of information in relation to architectural heritage.

Conduct surveys to fill information gaps

1.2 Support the National Monuments Section of the DEHLG in the completion of the archaeological inventory for

Co. Sligo and encourage research with and dissemination of the survey data gathered.

1.3 Survey and record traditional skills and crafts in Co. Sligo.

1.4 Continue work with Sligo Local Authorities to encourage the development of the Record of Protected Structuresthrough conducting architectural inventories of e.g. street furniture, Yeats buildings and vernacular architecture.

1.5 Carry out a historic burial grounds survey.

1.6 Carry out a place name survey and develop a database accessible to the public.

1.7 Continue mapping habitats of conservation concern. e.g. trees, hedgerow, wetland, semi-natural woodland and

landscape features of ecological value.

1.8 Conduct surveys for species of conservation concern.

Provide access to heritage data and information

1.9 Develop a County Heritage website to ensure that databases and heritage information are available online

(including heritage activity at county level).

1.10 Ensure that heritage information is available and accessible through the County Library service.

Encourage public participation in gathering and recording heritage information

1.11 Facilitate a community graveyard memorial recording scheme.

1.12 Develop a programme to record local history and folklore.

1.13 Promote the gathering of place name information throughout the county.

1.14 Support the participation of individuals and the community in recording heritage data, natural, built

and cultural.

Natural Archaeological Architectural Cultural


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1818

Audit existing sources of heritage information

2.1 Raise awareness and provide training where appropriate, of existing heritage legislation and enforcement measures.

2.2 Continue to promote integrated conservation planning and sustainable development at County level through

heritage appraisal of development plans.

2.3 Continue to support the development of a County Museum.

2.4 Continue to implement the Field Monument Awareness Programme.

2.5 Support the development of Coastal Zone Management Plan & Indicative Forestry Strategy by Sligos Local

Authorities.

2.6 Support the development and implementation of appropriate maintenance of graveyards in the county through

training, in partnership with the community.

2.7 Facilitate adoption & implementation of recommendations arising from conservation plans undertaken in Co. Sligo.

2.8 Support the development of a county archives policy by the County Library Service.

2.9 Support the publication and consultation of draft Management Plans for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the DEHLG.

2.10 Establish a place names committee.

2.11 Promote awareness, care and maintenance of built heritage, particularly by owners of buildings on the Record of

Protected Structures through seminars.

2.12 Explore opportunities for establishing a fund for maintenance & care of built heritage in Local Authority ownership.2.13 Develop a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Sligo.

2.14 Record biological data in partnership with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

2.15 Promote appropriate hedgerow management through provision of information, policy and training.

2.16 Liaise with agencies with responsibility for the protection of heritage at county level to provide contact

details/clarify areas of responsibility in leaflet form.

To increase the level of heritage expertise in the County

2.17 Support communities, organisations, networks and professional bodies that promote best practice and sustainable

management of heritage through training.

2.18 Continue to provide appropriate heritage training opportunities for Local Authority staff.

2.19 Support traditional building skills training through seminars and exhibitions.

To promote community involvement & heritage networks in the management of heritage

2.20 Conduct research to identify community heritage needs, to enable an effective & targeted response to those needs.

2.21 Continue to recognise and support community involvement in heritage through an annual community heritage

grant scheme.

2.0 BEST PRACTICE IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT



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Enhance the role of the planning process in relation to Heritage

2.22 Assist with integration of heritage policy and advice into development plans.

2.23 Co-operate with relevant sections of Sligo County Council to develop heritage policies where relevant.

2.24 Develop appropriate guidance to ensure that heritage issues are highlighted and considered during the development

consent process particularly regarding archaeology and built heritage.

2.25 Support the Forward Planning Section of Sligo County Council in the production of house design and siting

guidelines.

3.0 AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

Promote Sligos heritage

3.1 Work with local media (print and radio) to raise awareness of Sligos heritage, through regular heritage slots.

3.2 Create a Sligo Heritage Forum logo.

3.3 Develop heritage e-zine (web based magazine).

3.4 Hold annual heritage seminar.

3.5 Hold annual biodiversity day.

3.6 Actively engage with the tourism sector in the promotion of heritage in County Sligo.

Raise the level of heritage awareness3.7 Increase participation in Heritage Week, particularly by supporting family days.

3.8 Conduct a heritage awareness survey.

3.9 Develop a heritage awareness programme in partnership with elected members.

Facilitate heritage awareness and participation through education and training

3.10 Promote the Heritage in Schools scheme at primary level.

3.11 Build on report Audit of Heritage Education in Sligo (2004), by holding a seminar on heritageeducation in the county and implementing the recommendations.

3.12 Provide advice and support heritage training initiatives for community groups and individuals.

3.13 Provide advice and support training initiatives for owners of protected structures.

Increase access to heritage

3.14 Audit access to heritage in County Sligo, to include walking routes and heritage sites, with a view to improvingsignage and access to selected sites.

3.15 Audit heritage sites, both natural and built, in public ownership.

3.16 Enhance existing access to heritage with signposting and maintenance, where appropriate, to selected sites.

3.17 Develop a standardised approach to heritage and place name signage.

3.18 Develop a scheme to provide for the development and renewal of information panels at key heritage sites.


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2020

4.0 PROMOTING PARTNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

Promoting partnership and participation

4.1 Encourage and facilitate the development of partnerships for heritage amongst existing networks(Community Forum, farming groups, community, heritage groups and the youth).

4.2 Support the development of a County Sligo Heritage Network.

4.3 Promote co-operation between agencies with responsibility for heritage conservation and protection at county level.

4.4 Promote strategic co-ordination between Local Authority Cultural Services

4.5 Promote strategic heritage partnerships with other Local Authorities and cross border agencies where applicable.

4.6 Liaise with IT Sligo and other third level institutions in the development of heritage research at county level.



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04 Implementing the Plan


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22

Right:The Butter Boat, Streedagh,Co. Sligo.Photo: Mark Keane

Previous Page:An Oak tree reflected in thewaters of Lough Gill, Co. Sligo.Photo: Vince Vidal

The Heritage Plan is a five-yearwork plan. The Sligo HeritageForum, Sligo County Council andthe Heritage Council are key part-ners in the delivery of the planand the Heritage Officer will inmany cases act as co-ordinator

for projects. This is the secondHeritage Plan for Sligo.

TimeframeThe Plan sets out actions for the five-year peri-

od 2007-2011. Each year a detailed work pro-

gramme will be drawn up from the actions in

this Plan, which will be submitted to the

Heritage Council and other funding agencies as

a strategic funding application. When the annu-

al budget is confirmed the annual work pro-

gramme will be produced in consultation with

the Heritage Forum and the working groups.The annual plan will detail the projects pro-

posed for the year, the partners, timeframe and

the body responsible for delivery.

FinanceA budget of 850,000 (excluding staff costs),

estimated for the delivery of the Plan over t

five year period. The aim is to realise an ann

al budget of 170,000.

The Heritage Council has agreed in principle

consider the Plan as a five year strategic fundin

application, consistent with normal funding cr

teria. The Heritage Council will consider fun

ing aspects of the Plan that are compatible withe objectives of the Heritage Council. T

Heritage Council have established a separa

funding mechanism for the continued suppo

of the Field Monument Advisor (FMA) Schem

across Ireland. Therefore funding applicatio

for the Field Monument Advisor programm

will be direct to the Heritage Council and w

not form part of the annual Heritage Plan fun

ing application as has been the case to date.

Sligo County Council has agreed to support t

delivery of the Plan by supporting the work the Heritage Forum, by contributing dire

funding for the implementation of the Plan an

by continuing to support heritage programmi


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work programme will detail the projects to be

undertaken and the partners involved in their

delivery. The Heritage Forum will monitor the

annual work programme and progress will be

evaluated at regular intervals.

Left:Irish Damselfly, Coenagrionlunulatum. The first Irish recoof this rare species was fromCounty Sligo in 1982 and it is

now known from threeplaces in the county. It isabsent from Great Britain.Photo: R.S. Thompson

through the Heritage Office, subject to normal

budgetary constraints. The Heritage Office is

central to supporting the work of the Heritage

Forum and the delivery of the Plan. In that

regard, the Heritage Office will continue to seek

consolidation of existing staff, provision for

ongoing staff training and development, and

appropriate levels of funding from Sligo County

Council. Throughout the delivery of the Plan,

formal approaches for support and funding will

be made to key partners to enable implementa-tion of the actions identified. The National

Heritage Plan (2002) indicates that 12.7 m will

be made available over a five -year period for the

implementation of Local Heritage Plans. The

Department of the Environment, Heritage and

Local Government is aware of the preparation

of County Heritage Plans nationally, but to date

has made no allocation to support them. It is

hoped that funds will be released to support

County Heritage Plans.

PartnersAs the annual work programme is agreed, com-mitments will be obtained from relevant part-

ners. The commitment of the other key part-

ners will be dependent on the annual funding

allocations and their remit. The lead partners

will be highlighted for each action when the

annual priorities are agreed. However, it is

hoped that local groups and other organisations

not listed will become active partners in the

implementation of the many actions of the plan.

Opportunities to foster co-operation with

adjoining Local Authorities, the border coun-ties and Northern Ireland will be availed of in

implementing the Heritage Plan.

Monitoring and EvaluationThe County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011, pro-

vides the framework for the implementation of

key actions for the next five years. The annual


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Opposite Page:Markree Suspension Bridge.A wrought-iron suspensionfootbridge, erected c. 1840spans the Unshin River to thesouth of Markree Castle.This attractive and unusualbridge displays a high levelof technical skill andcraftsmanship in itsconstruction.Photo: Vince Vidal

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05 Appendices


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Cllr. Patsy Barry (Chairperson)

Elected Representative, Sligo County Council

Brendan Carolan/Fionnuala Meagher

Planning, Sligo County Council

Sean Martin

Senior Exec. Architect, Sligo Borough Council

Michael Quigley

CEO Sligo Leader

Martin Henry

CEO Teagasc

Celine Walsh

Archaeologist, DEHLG, National Monuments Section

Joe Gatins/Tim Roderick

Regional Manager, DEHLG, National Parks and

Wildlife Service

Tim Hynes

Coillte

Patricia Curran-MulliganLecturer, IT Sligo

Teresa Gilligan

Farming Sector

Therisia Roddy

Farming Sector

Larry Mullin

Community Forum

Fiona Dunleavey

Community Forum

Aidan Mannion

Heritage Groups

Caroline Sheil

Heritage Groups

Larry Kelly

FS


26

APPENDIX A MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNTY HERITAGE FORUM (JANUARY 2007

Above:Batchelors Building, The Quays,Sligo. A four-storey reinforced-concrete former maize milland grain silo, built in 1905.

Photo: Sligo County Council


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APPENDIX B PROCESS OF FORMULATING THE PLAN

Month Date Action

Feb 2006 16th Feb County Sligo Heritage Forum Meeting

May 2006 3rd May Public Consultation Commences (Phase 1)

4th May Specialist interest workshop - Natural Heritage

10th May Specialist interest workshop - Built Heritage

11th May Specialist interest workshop - Cultural Heritage

11th May County Sligo Heritage Forum Meeting

11th - 16th May Local Radio Advertising Community/Public Notices

13th May Community Heritage Workshop Sligo City

18th May Community Heritage Workshop Grange

23rd May Community Heritage Workshop - Ballymote

30th May Community Heritage Workshop - Easkey

31st May End of Public Consultation (Phase 1)

June 2006 22nd June Council Staff Workshop Sligo County Council

23rd June Council Staff Workshop Sligo Borough Council

July 2006 Production of Heritage Issues Report / Production of draft Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011

13th July Update to Strategic Policy Committee (SPC 1) on preparation of Draft Heritage Plan

Aug 2006 31st August County Sligo Heritage Forum Meeting

Sept 2006 12th Sept Presentation of draft Heritage Plan to Senior Management Team of Sligo County Council

25th Sept Presentation of draft Heritage Plan to Strategic Policy Committee (SPC 1) Sligo County Council

Oct 2006 9th Oct Presentation of draft Heritage Plan to Sligo County Council

18th Oct Start of Public Consultation on draft Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011 (Phase 2)

Nov 2006 15th Nov End of Public Consultation on draft Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011 (Phase 2)

23rd Nov County Sligo Heritage Forum Meeting to consider final draft ofHeritage Plan 2007 - 2011

Dec 2006 11th Dec Presentation of final draft Heritage Plan 2007 2011 to Sligo County Council for adoption.


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Declan Feeney

North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Mark Keane

Sligo Field Club/Bird Watch Ireland

Brian Scanlon

Barry Egan

Enterprise Ireland

Paddy Egan

Ballymote Community Enterprise Ltd.

Michael Mulligan

Sligo Mountaineering Club

Rita McFadden

Doorly Park and Martin Savage ResidentsAssociation

Kate Bell

Albanne Tourism Ltd.

Patricia Mulligan

Carrowmore/Coolera ResidentsAssociation

Joyce Enright

Sligo Field Club Committee

Aleck Crichton

Yeats Society

Christina Fredengren

Lake Settlement Project,The Discovery Programme

John OConnell

BallymoteMargaret Heffernan

Rosses Point

Mary Willis

Beltra

Francis OKeeffe

Rosses Point

Jane Andrews

Sligo

Hugh McConville/Peigin Doyle

Strandhill

Beatrice McDonald /Sheila Gallagher

Hazelwood/Calry

Jim Hickey

Mullaghmore

Henry Rowan


Martin Timoney

Research Archaeologist, Keash

Christ Spvorenberg

Ballintogher

Eilo Molloy

Drumcliffe

Chris & Margaret Kelly

Ballintogher

Joe McGowan

Co. Sligo Sidhe Gaoithe Mummers

Miriam Crowley

NPWS, DEHLG

Paul Money

Carney

David Poole

Raghly

Hubert Kearns

Co. Manager, Sligo County Council

Banada Development Agency Ltd.

Banada, Sligo

Joyce Enright

Consultant Archaeologist/Wild Rose Tours

Eoin Halpin

Consultant Archaeologist

Willie Cumming

Senior Architect, National Inventory ofArchitectural Heritage, DEHLG

Ray Cawley

Cecily Gilligan

Ballintogher Community DevelopmentAssociation

Margaret Farrell

Dr. Matthew Parkes

Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland

Joe Gowran

Patrick OBrien

Sligo Field Club

Ulrike Schwier

Martin Wilson

Frances Heaslip

Co-ordination Unit DCMNR

Sarah Gately

Geological Survey of Ireland

Tim Roderick

District Conservation Officer, NPWS,DEHLG

Peter Osborne

Ann Harrison

APPENDIX C LIST OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED


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Attendance atCommunity HeritageWorkshops

Sligo City - 13th May 2006Aleck Crichton, Joyce Enright

Mary Willis, David WillisGerald Healy, Jim McLoughlin

Grange - 18th May 2006James G. Hickey, Michael Bell

Kitty Youds, Sean Feeney

Tom Haran, Barry McSweeney

Sen Gallagher, Declan Feeney

Orla Kenny, James Hanrahan

Hugh Gallagher, Paul Money

Leo Leyden

Ballymote - 23rd May 2006Roisin McGlone, Martin Henry

Stephen Butler, James McCarrick

Bernie McHugh, Ann Brennan

Paddy Egan, Betty Conlon

John Conlon, Bridget Colleran

Fionnuala Meagher

Easkey - 11th May 2006Deirdre Finnerty, Alma Gallagher

Margaret Conlon, Martin Wilson

Brendan Queenan

Attendance atCouncil Staff Workshops

Sligo County Council andSligo Borough Council

22nd to 23rd June 2006Matthew Byrne EnvironmentMary Mc Donagh ArtsJohn McHugh EnvironmentEmer Concannon EnvironmentMartina Conlon FinanceNaomi Gorevan CommunicationsMaura Hegarty Community & EnterpriseRosaleen Keane Community & EnterpriseMary McAuliffe ArtsIan Duggan Motor TaxSeamus OToole Area Services

Mihaela Davidescu Forward Planning John Owens PMDSPauline Brennan Corporate ServicesPaul Ryan Fire ServiceSharon Eastwood EnvironmentMichael Ryan HousingDonal Tinney LibraryCiara OHara Community & EnterpriseHenry Rowan Water ServicesJoanne Gorman ParksMichael Condren ParksHugh McGlynn Parks

APPENDIX D ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC CONSULATION EVENTS

Attendance atSpecialist InterestWorkshops

Natural Heritage - 4th May 2006Will Woodrow, Joyce Enright

Martin Enright, Larry MullinDeclan Feeney, Joe Gowran

Trevor Hunter, Martin Ruane

Mark Keane

Built Heritage - 10th May 2006Marion OCallaghan, Colin Bell

Nicholas Prins, Michael Flanagan

Michael McDonagh, P.J. ONeill

Mark Keane, Wendy Lyons

Margaret Hedge, Mary Willis

Aidan Mannion, Joyce Enright

Martin A. Timoney, Deirdre FoleySen Martin

Cultural Heritage - 11th May 2006Stella G. Mew, Seamus McCormack

Brian Scanlon, Henry Rowan

Joyce Enright, Margaret Hedge

Adrian Regan, Susan Gilmartin

Michael Wann, Leo Leydon

Felicity McNabb, Larry Mullin

Joe McGowan


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30

Above:Interior of Dromard Church ofIreland, Co. Sligo. Built in 1817,this simple and wonderfullyintact church retains many ofits original features includinginterior furniture and traceriedwindows.Photo: Vince Vidal

National and EU HeritageLegislation

Heritage and PlanningPlanning and Development Act, 2000

Heritage Act, 1995

Environmental Impact Assessment

(Council Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended)

Strategic Environmental Assessment

(Council Directive 2001/42/EC)

Built HeritageNational Monuments Acts 1990-1994

National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997

Architectural Heritage (National Inventory)

and Historic Monument (misc. provisions)

Act 1999

Planning and Development Act, 2000

Natural Heritage and WaterwaysWildlife Act, 1976

Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000

European Communities (Natural Habitats)

Regulations, 1997

Birds Directive

(Council Directiv 79/409/ EEC ), 1979

Habitats Directive

(Council Directive 92/43/EEC) 1992

Water Framework Directive

(Council Directive 2000/60/EC), 2000

Museums and ArchivesNational Cultural Institutions Act, 1997

Local Government Acts 1994 and 2001

Landscapes and Heritage Gardens& ParksPlanning and Development Act 2000

International Conventions andAgreements which Ireland hassigned and ratified

UNESCO Convention for the protection of

the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (rat

fied 1992)

European Convention on the Protection of thArchitectural Heritage of Europe. (GranadaConvention), 1997

Convention on Wetlands of InternationalImportance (Ramsar Convention), 1971 (rati-fied, 1984)

Convention on the Conservation of EuropeanWildlife and Natural Habitats (BerneConvention), 1979 (ratified 1982)

Convention of Conservation of MigratorySpecies of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention),1979 (ratified 1983)

Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 (ratified, 1996)

Agreement on Conservation of Bats in Europ(Bonn Convention), 1993 (ratified, 1995)

International Tropical Timber Agreement,1994 (1996)

Agreement of the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) (BonConvention), 1996

Pan-European Biological and LandscapeDiversity Strategy (endorsed 1995)

European Landscape Convention, 2000 (rati-fied, 2002)

APPENDIX E HERITAGE LEGISLATION


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Left:Greater Butterfly Orchid,Platanthera chlorantha.

Photo: Don Cotton

Continue mapping habitats of conservation

concern e.g. trees, hedgerow, wetland, semi-

natural woodland, landscape features of

ecological value.

Conduct surveys for species of conservation

concern.

Support the participation of individuals andthe community in recording heritage data,

natural, built and cultural.

Support the publication and consultation of

draft Management Plans for Special Areas

of Conservation (SACs) by the

National Parks and Wildlife Service of the

DEHLG.

Develop a Local Biodiversity Action Plan

for Sligo.

Record biological data in partnership with

the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Promote appropriate hedgerow management

through provision of information, policy

and training.

Hold annual biodiversity day.

Audit heritage sites, both natural and built,

in public ownership.

APPENDIX F LIST OF ACTIONS RELATING TO BIODIVERSITY


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Opposite Page:St. Annes Church, Strandhill.An attractive church buildingbuilt in 1843 which displays ahigh degree of craftsmanshipand technical skill in its design.Photo: Sligo County Council

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06 Glossary


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Archaeological Inventory

Biodiversity

Birds Directive

Community Forum

Conservation Plan

Environmental

Impact Assessment(EIA)

Field MonumentAdvisor Scheme (FMA)

Habitats Directive

The Heritage Council

The archaeological inventory is part of the National Monuments Section of the Department of t

Environment, Heritage & Local Government. It is responsible for the identification and designati

of sites through the Archaeological Survey of Ireland.

The variability among living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and betwe

species, or within and between ecosystems.

The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires each member state to designate Special Protecti

Areas for birds. The directive contains annexes which are lists of birds which require particular coservation measures (Annex 1), and also species which may be hunted, and species which may be sold

Sligo Community Forum, established in March 2000, is a representative body of groups and volunta

organisations active and operating in County Sligo. A platform for affiliated community and volunta

groups to exchange information, experiences and to work collectively to voice issues and concer

relating to the economic and cultural development of the county.

A Conservation Plan is a document which explains why a site is significant and how that significan

will be retained in any future use, alteration, development or repair.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an assessment of the likely influence a project may ha

on the environment. Environmental Impact Assessment can be defined as: The process of identifing, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of develo

ment proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. (IAIA 1999). The pu

pose of the assessment is to ensure that decision-makers consider environmental impacts before deci

ing whether to proceed with new projects.

The Field Monument Advisor Scheme is a programme run by Sligo County Council in partnersh

with the Heritage Council to provide information, advice and support to landowners in the custod

anship of monuments in their care.

The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) was transposed into Irish Law in the European Uni

(Natural Habitats) Regulations, in 1997. The directive lists (Annex 1) certain habitats that must be pr

tected through the establishment of Special Areas of Conservation. The directive also lists (Annex

species which must be afforded protection. The directive seeks to establish Natura 2000, a netwoof protected areas throughout the European Community.

The Heritage Council was established as a statutory body under the Heritage Act 1995. Its role is

propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of t

national heritage. The Council has a particular responsibility to promote interest, education, know

edge and pride in the national heritage.


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GLOSSARY


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Heritage in SchoolsScheme

Indicative ForestryStrategy

Landscape CharacterAssessment

Local Agenda 21

National BiodiversityData Centre

National Inventoryof Architectural Heritage(NIAH)

National MonumentsSection DEHLG

National Parks &Wildlife Service

DEHLG

The Heritage in Schools scheme, operated by the INTO and The Heritage Council, offers a panel

heritage specialists who visit primary schools to work directly with children on heritage topics.

An Indicative Forest Strategy (IFS) is a planning tool used to assess opportunities for new forest plan

ing in a given area. The objective of an IFS is to identify the potential that future afforestation ca

make towards the establishment of high quality forests serving a variety of purposes including timb

production, forest industry development, off-farm incomes, tourism, amenity and the enhancement

the environment.

Landscape character assessment is the process of mapping, classifying and describing landscape cha

acter, and the process of making judgements about landscape character to inform different decision

Local Agenda 21 originated in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Developme

(Also referred to as the Earth Summit or the Rio Summit) held in June 1992. Local Agenda 21 (LA2

is an international sustainability planning process that provides an opportunity for local governmen

to work with their communities to create a sustainable future.

The National Biodiviserity Data Centre has been established in Waterford IT. It is the national ce

tre for the collection and management of biological data within Ireland.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage is a section within the Department of tEnvironment, Heritage & Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying a

recording the architectural heritage of Ireland from 1700 to the present day.

The National Monuments Section is a section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage

Local Government and is responsible for the identification and designation of sites through th

Archaeological Survey of Ireland, assisting OPW in archaeological care of state properties, impleme

tation of protective and regulatory controls including licensing of excavations under the Nation

Monuments Acts and the provision of input and advice to planning and other authorities in respect

individual planning and other development applications, projects and plans.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the Department of the Environmen

Heritage & Local Government and manages the Irish States nature conservation responsibilities und

National and European law. NPWS is charged with the conservation of a range of ecosystems and poulations of flora and fauna in Ireland. In particular, the responsibility of NPWS is the designation an

protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and Natur

Heritage Areas (NHAs).



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Record of ProtectedStructures (RPS)

Special Area ofConservation (SAC)

Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment

Wildlife Act 1976

The Record of Protected Structures is a list of Protected Structures entered by a planning authori

which is part of the Development Plan. A Protected Structure is a structure, or part of a structur

that a planning authority considers to be of special interest from an architectural, historical, archae

logical, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) are prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, consider

to be important on a European as well as Irish level. The legal basis on which SACs are selected an

designated is the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) transposed into Irish law in European Unio

(Natural Habitats) Regulations of 1997. The Directive lists (Annex 1) certain habitats that must be prtected within SACs. There is also a list (Annex 2) of species which must be afforded protection. Th

Directive seeks to establish Natura 2000 a network of protected areas throughout the European

Community, and it is the responsibility of each state to designate Special Areas of Conservatio

(SACs) to protect habitats and species, and which together with the Special Protection Areas (SPA

designated under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) form Natura 2000.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a system of incorporating environmental consideratio

into policies, plans and programmes. It is sometimes referred to as Strategic Environmental Impa

Assessment, the specific term, Strategic Environmental Assessment relates to European Policy. T

European SEA Directive (2001/42/EEC) required that all member states of the European Uni

should have ratified the Directive into their own countries law by July 2004. The Directi

2001/42/EC on the assessment of certain programmes on the environment was transposed into IriLaw by Regulation 435 and SI 431 of 2004. The objective of the directive is to provide for a high lev

of protection for the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental consideratio

into the preparation and adoption of specified plans and programmes in promoting sustainable deve

opment.

The Wildlife Act 1976 is the principal National legislation providing for the protection of wildlife an

the control of some activities which may adversely affect wildlife. The aims of the Wildlife Act 19

are to provide for the protection and conservation of wild fauna and flora, to conserve a representati

sample of important ecosystems, to provide for the development and protection of resources and

regulate their exploitation, and to provide the services necessary to accomplish such aims.

co sligo heritage plan 2007-2011

Documents