County Roscommon HERITAGE PLAN 2017 2021 - Incorporating County Roscommon Biodiversity Plan - Roscommon County ...
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County Roscommon
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
Incorporating County Roscommon Biodiversity Plan
Prepared by County Roscommon Heritage Forum
County Roscommon Heritage Forum wishes to acknowledge the role For further information contact:
of the Heritage Council in initiating and supporting the preparation
of this Heritage Plan in association with Roscommon County Council. Heritage Officer,
In addition, the Forum acknowledges the support of the Heritage Roscommon County Council,
Council through its contribution to the funding of the post of the Áras an Chontae,
Heritage Officer and the implementation of projects under the Roscommon,
Roscommon Heritage Plans 2004-2008 and 2012-2016, in Co. Roscommon.
association with Roscommon County Council.
Telephone: 090 6637135
Images courtesy of: Email: nfeeney@roscommoncoco.ie
Mick McCormack, Frank Scott, Roscommon County Council, Drum www.roscommoncoco.ie
Heritage Group, Glynn’s Photography, Google, Gerard O’Loughlin,
Breffni Ireland Ltd, JG O’Donoghue, Department of Arts, Heritage
& the Gaeltacht, www.heritagemaps.ie, Blackwood Associates
Architects & Castlecoote House.
© Roscommon County Council 2017
The aim of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan is to continue to create and promote
an increased knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the natural, built and cultural
heritage of County Roscommon and to conserve it for future generations -
Notice, Care, Enjoy.
CONTENTS Page
Cathaoirleach - Foreword 4
Chief Executive - Foreword 4
Chairperson of County Roscommon Heritage Forum - Foreword 4
Introduction 5
Context 5
Achievements of County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2012-2016 6-8
Strategic Goals 1-10 9-18
Appendices 19-25
4 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
CATHAOIRLEACH, COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN - FOREWORD
As Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council I am delighted to welcome the third heritage plan for County Roscommon. County
Roscommon’s heritage is rich and varied. Our wonderful archaeological and mythological heritage is attracting people from all over
the world to visit the Rathcroghan Complex, Royal Heritage Site of Ireland. Our medieval heritage is magnificent and attracts national
and international archaeological study and visitors to Ballintubber Castle, Roscommon Castle, Roscommon Dominican Abbey, Tulsk
Priory, Rindoon and Boyle Abbey. Our historic houses are capturing the imagination of tourists as are our industrial heritage assets.
Our natural heritage is an essential aspect of our heritage, described by Starrett (2004:2) as “our living heritage”. People are getting
out into the countryside to rediscover our bogs, forests, rivers and lakes through loops, walks and way marked ways. The heritage
plan includes Roscommon County Council’s Biodiversity plan. With many community groups already embracing pollinator initiatives,
this plan supports continued biodiversity projects to protect our bees and other lesser known pollinators including ladybirds through
increased wild flower meadows in our counties villages and towns.
Heritage has an intrinsic value which cannot be quantified. It enhances our quality of life and wellbeing. Its significance as a cultural
resource has grown in recent years and with that the realization that it has a vital role to play in tourism and job creation. The work
of local groups in County Roscommon in recognising their own heritage and their efforts to develop its potential for the benefit of the
community is acknowledged and supported through this plan.
I would like to pay tribute to our excellent Heritage Officer Nollaig Feeney, who has to be complimented for her way of promoting
community engagement with heritage. The phenomenal success of heritage week in County Roscommon each year is testament to
this approach which has engendered and garnered the enthusiastic response of the community with an array of excellent heritage
events throughout the County. I would like to thank the Heritage Council for their continued support. I would also like to thank all
those involved in the preparation of this plan, our heritage officer Nollaig Feeney and the members of County Roscommon Heritage
Forum, under the chairmanship of Cllr Joe Murphy for their commitment, expertise and time.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Plean Oidhreachta Ros Comáin (2017 - 2021).
Cllr. Orla Leyden
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN - FOREWORD
I welcome the County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2017-2021. Unfortunately in the past “heritage” was at times regarded as being
a cost to society, a financial burden almost, only tolerated because it was seen as a moral duty. Fortunately this view of our heritage
is very much confined to the past and has been replaced with a great respect for everything associated with it, including the myths
and legends, castles and gravestones, mounds and ruins, and much, much more. In fact our heritage is part of who we are, our
provenance, our deeper values, defining our history and leaving untold wealth to a nation and people. This shift in understanding is
reflected and protected in national / local policies and priorities. The value of our heritage is recognised and valued in all aspects of
our lives, not just in our economy but also for our social and community development and, of course to our well-being and quality
of life. This Plan links into and compliments existing Roscommon County Council priorities and plans, thus ensuring that our resources
will be used to maximise the best outcome for the County.
Mr. Eugene Cummins
CHAIRPERSON OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY HERITAGE FORUM - FOREWORD
The County Roscommon Heritage Forum is a partnership between Roscommon County Council and heritage stakeholders countywide
who work closely with the Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to address national heritage
priorities, promote national best practice guidance at a local level and meet local heritage needs. The County Roscommon Heritage
Forum works to prepare and implement the County Roscommon Heritage Plan. I welcome the publication of this plan and look
forward to working with our partners to deliver this plan for the benefit of the people of Roscommon.
Cllr. Joe Murphy
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 5
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS HERITAGE?
The Heritage Act, 1995 defines heritage as including monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural
heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, inland waterways and heritage gardens
and parks. The County Roscommon Heritage Forum also considers that folklore, industrial heritage and local history are
important aspects of the county’s heritage.
Our heritage is a national asset to be valued and CONTEXT
treasured. The people of Roscommon have always had The value of heritage is increasingly recognised at
a strong pride, awareness and interest in their built, national policy level as a very positive contributor to our
natural and cultural heritage. This is evidenced by the economy for its tourism value and as a driver for rural
high levels of community involvement in heritage – at a development, especially in rural areas like Co. Roscommon.
very local level and as a means of economic development. This value is a cornerstone of government initiatives such
Community development groups, cemetery committees, as Creative Ireland, Culture 2025, the National Landscape
tidy towns associations, heritage societies, schools and Strategy, the Tourism Action Plan and ‘Realising our Rural
interested individuals are working hard all over the county Potential – Action plan for Rural Development’, all of which
to care for their heritage – places, features or sites of highlight heritage as an integral element of landscape and
importance to their community, some of which are also society and as a tool for realising our social and economic
of national and international importance. These groups potential.
work on very tight budgets. Modest support, financial
or technical, can make a huge difference to a heritage This national policy filters down to County Roscommon
project which seeks to generate jobs, support through the Roscommon County Development Plan
conservation or improve people’s quality of life. 2014-2020, the Local Economic and Community Plan
The Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant 2016-2021, the Local Development Strategy for delivery
programme is recognised nationally for the positive of the LEADER Programme 2014–2020 in County Roscommon,
impact it has had and for the great returns that can the County Roscommon Tourism Statement of Strategy
be gained from a little financial support. and Work Programme 2017-2022 and the Creative Ireland
programme all of which set out strategies and priorities
The value placed on heritage by the people of the for leading economic, social and community development
county is vital to its enjoyment, management and as well as promoting the well-being and quality of life of
protection and makes a vital contribution to a the public and communities. Heritage is at the heart of all
community’s sense of belonging and wellbeing. of these plans either directly or indirectly. However heritage
needs adequate financial, structural and personnel resources
Heritage adds great value to our quality of life to achieve all the potential that is now acknowledged in
and makes a great contribution to our social government policy.
and economic well being, including employment
generation.
6 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
COUNTY ROSCOMMON HERITAGE PLAN 2012-2016
What did it do?
The second heritage plan for County Roscommon was launched in February 2012. The plan had three objectives and actions were
carried out under each objective as follows:
Objective 1: Collect and disseminate heritage information Notice
Black Pigs Dyke Regional Project - multi disciplinary research on the mysterious Black Pigs Dyke which includes the Doon of
Drumsna with the production of an Archaeology Ireland Heritage Guide No 68 – ‘The Black Pigs Dyke – Power Lines in the
Landscape’ and a website www.blackpigsdyke.ie
Supported archaeological field school in north Roscommon in conjunction with Dr. Tom Finan, Saint Louis University, USA.
Awarded five heritage research bursaries for new post graduate research in the county, funded by Roscommon County Council.
Audit of geological & geomorphological Heritage of Co. Roscommon – the audit identified 29 County Geological Sites.
New guidebook - 'Karst, Turloughs & Eskers - the geological heritage of County Roscommon' by Robert Meehan & Matthew Parkes,
funded by the Heritage Council & Roscommon County Council.
New guidebook - 'Roscommon Abbey - A Visitors Guide' & leaflet by Dr. Kieran O'Conor and Brian Shanahan, funded by the Heritage
Council & Roscommon County Council.
Supported the Heritage Council Heritage Map Viewer www.heritagemaps.ie. �
Supported the annual ‘Archaeology Above and Below’ conference hosted by Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. �
On average 100 Heritage Office News emails were circulated each year to the 350 + people on the heritage mailing list .
�
Supported the County Roscommon Folklore and Oral History Network - over fifty new interviews were added to the archive
and a booklet ‘County Roscommon Folklore & Oral History Collection 2006-2016’ was produced to highlight the collection. �
Supported a review of the Record of Protected Structures as part of the review of the County Development Plan. �
Worked with the Irish Wildlife Trust to host a training workshop for the National Smooth Newt Survey. �
Supported Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse project. �
Worked with Bat Conservation Ireland to host a training workshop for the All Ireland Daubentons Bat Waterway Survey. �
Supported Trien Historical Group in a pilot project to record the inscriptions in Kilkeevin graveyard and make them available online
http://historicgraves.com/graveyard/kilkeevin/ro-kkvn
Supported Rural Social Scheme workers in a project to record the inscriptions in Kilglass graveyard and make them available
online http://historicgraves.com/graveyard/kilglass/ro-kgss
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 7 OBJECTIVE 2: Promote best practice in heritage conservation and management Care Community training project with eight workshops held around the county to promote best practice in recording historic graveyards and publishing the details online www.historicgraves.ie. The Heritage Intern provided follow-on support and training to community groups who wished to record their graveyards. Roscommon 3d - twenty four people took part in a community photogrammetry training project focusing initially on Roscommon Cross slabs, images from this project can be found on https://sketchfab.com/roscommon3d Three Pollinator Workshops were held in support of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. � Five community heritage bursaries were awarded to promote best practice in heritage conservation and management. � Traditional lime and stone wall training was provided by Pat McAfee for Roscommon CountyCouncil staff. � Commissioned a historical reconstruction drawing of Rathcroghan mound. Installation of a wheelchair accessible picnic bench, directional signage and two interpretation panels at Rathcroghan car park. Funded by Roscommon County Council. � Supported the Táin March festival & schools 'warrior training' workshops. � Supported the production of Archaeology Ireland Heritage Guide No. 75 – ‘The Route of the Táin Bó Cúailnge in counties Roscommon and Longford’. � Tulsk priory conservation project was carried out in conjunction with Tulsk Action Group, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the LEADER Programme. Rinn Dúin Conservation and Management Plan launched by Minister Jimmy Deenihan. Supported St. John’s Parish Heritage Group’s ongoing emergency conservation works at Rinn Dúinn. Commissioned a suite of historic reconstruction drawings which were used in new signage around the site. Supported Ballintubber Tidy Towns on the preparation of the 'Ballintubber Castle Conservation Management Plan'. Provided heritage data and information for the County Development Plan 2014-2020 which addresses development aims, policies and objectives for built and natural heritage. Lissonuffy Church and Kiltrustan Church emergency conservation projects. � Stations of the Cross & Mosaics Conservation project, St. Coman’s Cemetery. � Supported Roscommon Heritage Group with their Lions Gate Conservation project. � Supported the national 'Let’s Get Buzzing' Tidy Towns Pollinator Award.
8 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 OBJECTIVE 3: To raise awareness of our heritage Enjoy Schools heritage project focused on graveyards and memorials in sixteen primary schools under the Heritage in Schools Scheme. Supported a schools edit of the documentary film 'Mote Park a Time a Place'. Facilitated primary school screenings of the film in Roscommon Arts Centre. National Famine Commemoration schools art competition & exhibition. � Worked with Dysart Rural Mens Group on the Comán's Wooded County schools tree planting project and colouring competition. � Schools Pollinator Workshops in over thirty primary schools under the Heritage in Schools Scheme. Promote and support National Heritage Week in County Roscommon. � 'Nature and Wildlife in County Roscommon' electronic book. ‘Notice Nature’ Marquee at Roscommon Lamb Festival family fun day. Reprinted Heritage Office posters and leaflets as required on an ongoing basis. � Six invasive species workshops were held - two for Roscommon County Council staff, two for Rural Social Scheme / TUS supervisors, one for the general public and one for Tidy Towns groups - eighty people attended. How does this Heritage Plan compare with the previous plan? The County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2012-2016 was an action plan, listing specifically what actions it intended to carry out. This new plan is different. It sets out the strategic heritage goals for the county for the next five years. These goals aim to link closely with already indentified heritage priorities such as those in the Local Economic and Community Plan and the County Roscommon Tourism Statement of Strategy, these identified heritage priorities are set out in Appendix 2. This co- operative approach should generate the best return and benefits for heritage in the county. These strategic goals will be transformed in to an annual work programme which will be broken down into actions or tasks aligned to the people or organisations who will be responsible for implementing them.
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 9
STRATEGIC GOALS
1
WORK TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL HERITAGE
PRIORITIES UNDER THE LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN, THE COUNTY
ROSCOMMON TOURISM STATEMENT OF STRATEGY, CREATIVE IRELAND ROSCOMMON
CULTURE AND CREATIVITY PLAN 2017 and other projects/programmes as they arise.
The County Heritage Plan and the County Roscommon Heritage Forum will work to meet their assigned tasks
under identified heritage priorities in the Local Economic and Community Plan, the County Roscommon Tourism
Statement of Strategy and Creative Ireland Roscommon Culture and Creativity Plan 2017. This will involve
delivering this Heritage Plan, working to maximize heritage tourism potential, working to implement the
Creative Ireland programme working with the community sector, supporting the protection and enhancement
of the natural and built environment especially along the River Shannon and its waterways, promoting awareness,
protection and enhancement of biodiversity and supporting development and implementation of planning policies.
Genealogy based visitors are an area of heritage tourism potential that could also be enhanced.
10 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
STRATEGIC GOALS
2 WORK WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR
HERITAGE PROJECTS
Working with community groups is crucial to caring for heritage in the county. Heritage advice and information
at project planning stage can help them achieve their project in accordance with best practice in heritage
conservation and management. Sharing heritage information and experiences is very useful for community
groups. The Heritage Office News email list, the Public Participation network and social media are useful tools
for getting heritage information out to communities all around the county. Assistance with grant applications
and fulfilling statutory notification/planning/consent requirements is a support provided by the Heritage
Office that is very valuable to communities working on heritage projects.HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 11
STRATEGIC GOALS
3 SUPPORT ANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY ARISE FOR COUNTY ROSCOMMON
UNDER NATIONAL HERITAGE GRANT SCHEMES AND INITIATIVES
National conservation grant scheme such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund
have the capacity to conserve heritage assets and protected structures that are in need of essential repairs. In 2016
works to the total value of €237,382 were carried out under these national grant schemes on thirteen conservation
projects in the county of which €96,574 was funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
while €140,143 was privately leveraged. The works carried out created a total of 629 days of employment in the
county for heritage experts and skilled trades-people. Several projects in the county have also benefited from the
Heritage Councils Community Grant Programme and County Heritage Plan Grant programme. The importance of support
for our built and natural heritage is acknowledged in ‘Realising our Rural Potential – Action Plan for Rural Development’
which sets out the government’s commitment to support for heritage. Grant schemes change all the time and keeping
communities up to date and aware of all heritage opportunities as they arise is very important and valuable work.
Supporting people to apply for schemes and comply with the scheme requirements is an important service provided
by the Heritage Office.
Roscommon has benefitted from national heritage initiatives, such as Irish Walled Towns Network, which has enabled
major conservation works to be carried out on the town wall at Rindoon. It is proposed to replicate that model in a new
national Historic Towns Initiative. It is important that the county supports any new opportunities and initiatives that
may arise.12 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
STRATEGIC GOALS
4 WORK TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND INFORMATION AT HERITAGE SITES
AROUND THE COUNTY
Promoting access to heritage sites is a major issue – especially at significant heritage sites which would benefit from
urgent stabilisation works and improvements to enhance public access. Enhanced access to the River Shannon and
Suck waterways would be very beneficial for locals and visitor alike. Sites must be safe for people to visit and enjoy.
Walking and cycling routes are a proven success for providing access to heritage sites on private land. Temporary
access can sometime be arranged for one off events such as during a local festival or National Heritage Week.
Good interpretation will add greatly to any heritage site. It is important that best practice is implemented in terms
of how to present heritage sites to the public in an interesting way and also without disturbing the archaeology
of a site. There are lots of new ways of interpreting sites. Social media and technology present new opportunities
for improving virtual access as well as information at heritage sites.HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 13
STRATEGIC GOALS
5
SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OF RATHCROGHAN AS ONE OF THE ROYAL SITES OF
IRELAND, INCLUDING THE PROPOSAL FOR THE DESIGNATION AS A UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Royal Sites of Ireland were all sites of major royal inauguration, ceremony and assembly, representing each of
the four Irish provinces: Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connaught, as well as the region of Meath. Rathcroghan was
the seat of the kings of Connaught. The sites are strongly linked to myth and legend and are associated with the
transformation of Ireland from paganism to Christianity and Saint Patrick. The Royal Sites of Ireland are on the Irish
Tentative List of properties for future nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Rathcroghan was home to Queen Medb and the epic tale of Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). This story of
envy, honour and military prowess is reputed to have taken place about the time of Christ and involved the armies
of Connacht and Ulster in a titanic struggle over a prize bull called Donn Cúailnge. The march began in Rathcroghan
in Co Roscommon, where Queen Medb began her quest for the Brown Bull of Cooley.
Rathcroghan is one of the most important cultural landscapes in the country and a place of fascination for many –
from lovers of myth and legend to academics. Working in collaboration with the Rathcroghan landowners,
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, The Táin March and the local community is key to promoting Rathcroghan as one
of the most significant heritage sites in the country.14 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
STRATEGIC GOALS
6 PROMOTE THE CARE, CONSERVATION AND RECORDING OF
HISTORIC GRAVEYARDS
There are over two hundred and eighty burial grounds in County Roscommon. Of these just over one third are
in the ownership of Roscommon County Council. The remainder are owned by church authorities or are located
on private farmland. Nearly half of the burial grounds in the county are historic graveyards. These are the oldest
in the county and contain structures and burials from the earliest phases of Christianity up to the present.
These are protected under the National Monuments Acts and need great care in how they are looked after.
Forty graveyards in the county are also protected under the Planning acts having Protected Structures within
them. Historic graveyards need different management than modern cemeteries.
Historic graveyards contain a rich natural heritage which may have been relatively undisturbed for years,
providing a valuable habitat for insects, birds and mammals. Historic graveyards provide an insight into the
skills, crafts and lives of those who built them and are buried within them. Ancient building techniques, such
as vaulted or carved stonework, dry stonewalls and ironwork such as gates and railings represent the skills
available in each locality at that time. Headstone inscriptions can provide an insight to the lives lead at different
times in the past in each part of the county as they are frequently found to include information on a person’s
livelihood or cause of death. Images carved on headstones are also richly symbolic.
The vast majority of the queries received by the Heritage Office from the public relate to graveyards and burial
records. Working with communities to promote the care, conservation and recording of historic graveyards
including their memorials, churches and biodiversity is very important. Cemetery committees, community
groups and Rural Social Scheme workers around the county have a proven track record in the very high
standard of their care for graveyards around the county. The Historic Graves recording project has been
successful and it is intended that this work can be continued http://historicgraves.com/project/roscommon-
historic-graveyard-projectHERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 15 STRATEGIC GOALS 7 PROMOTE AWARENESS OF BIODIVERSITY Ireland’s natural habitats have evolved over millions of years and support globally important populations of birds, fish, mammals, invertebrates, plants and fungi. Traditionally, we have sought to conserve nature for its own sake, purely for moral and ethical reasons. In recent years additional arguments for nature conservation have emerged, based on the social, cultural and economic value of biodiversity and the benefits or “ecosystem services” it provides to society. For example pollinators are estimated to contribute €53 million annually to the Irish economy. Raising awareness of our nature and wildlife and its value for our well being and economy is important. Working with community groups such as Tidy Towns Associations to promote initiatives under the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and supporting the annual national Tidy Towns ‘Let’s get Buzzing’ Local Authority Pollinator Award is a successful way of raising awareness of our biodiversity. The recording and control of invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed is an increasing issue in the county. Promoting involvement in citizen science initiatives, such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Biodiversity app, is an accessible way of getting people involved in recording their biodiversity and invasive species.
16 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 STRATEGIC GOALS 8 COLLECT AND DISSEMINATE HERITAGE INFORMATION Commissioning heritage surveys, assisting with the production and reprinting of heritage research and publications and making that heritage information available online is a valuable means of gathering information required to inform planning policy and also to inform heritage tourism projects. A suite of popular heritage publications produced under previous County Heritage Plans is always in great demand and it is intended that these publications can be further developed. The County Roscommon Folklore and Oral History Network have amassed a collection of over one hundred and twenty recordings which, in co-operation with Roscommon County Council Library Service, can be accessed in any library branch around the county. The ongoing operation and development of this network will ensure the continued growth of the Roscommon Media Archive – a valuable repository of local heritage information for future generations.
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 17
STRATEGIC GOALS
9 PROMOTE BEST PRACTICE IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION
AND MANAGEMENT
Utilising best practice guidance in heritage conservation and management is crucial to the success of any heritage
project. Spreading the word about available guidance to groups and individuals undertaking heritage project is very
important. Existing heritage projects, such as the County Museum, can benefit from utilising best practice to make
the service the best it can be within available resources. Use of conservation and management plans are a helpful
means of understanding the significance of and setting clear priorities for a heritage site. They are also helpful in
seeking funding. Such plans have been prepared to date for Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex, Tulsk Gaelic
Medieval Complex, Rinn Dúin and Ballintober Castle. Encouraging the use of conservation management plans at
other significant heritage sites should ensure best practice is applied in any development undertaken. Use of
expert heritage advice and skilled workers in project planning, supervision and works is also a very worthwhile
investment.18 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 STRATEGIC GOALS 10 RAISE AWARENESS OF OUR HERITAGE Levels of public interest in, and engagement with, our natural and built heritage have increased significantly over the past few years. Direct community involvement in heritage issues has increased from 7% in 2000 to 19%, while the percentage of people interested in specific aspects of our heritage has gone up from 25% in 2000 to 36% (ref: Awareness and Understanding of Irish Heritage – prepared for the Heritage Council by B&A, April 2015). This amounts to over 1.6 million of Irish residents. As well as having an intrinsic value which cannot be quantified, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone living here, Ireland’s unique heritage plays a vital role in tourism and job creation across the country. The economic benefits of cultural heritage have most commonly been seen in terms of tourism, but it is now also seen as an innovative stimulant for growth and employment in a wide range of traditional and new industries. It is also to be recognised as a major contributor to social cohesion and engagement as a way of bringing together communities and stimulating young people to engage with their environment. Communities have turned to their local heritage for a sense of identity and belonging. Initiatives such as National Heritage Week, European Year of Cultural heritage 2018, Galway 2020- European Capital of Culture, Creative Ireland and the Heritage in Schools Scheme go a long way towards raising awareness and enjoyment of our heritage. Embracing all opportunities to get people interested and enjoying heritage goes a long way for its measurable economic benefits but it also enriches our quality of life and contributes to our wellbeing, sense of history, identity and belonging.
HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 19
APPENDIX 1
COUNTY ROSCOMMON HERITAGE FORUM
County Roscommon Heritage Forum prepared and will help implement the County Roscommon Heritage Plan. Within the
sectors represented on the Heritage Forum individual members may change from time to time. Members listed below
are those involved at the time of preparation of this plan.
SECTOR ORGANISATION NAME
Local Government Roscommon County Council:
Elected Member Cllr. Joe Murphy,
Planning Section Tracy Davis,
Library Service Caitlin Browne,
Heritage Office Nollaig Feeney
Environment Section Bernadine Duignan
State Agency Teagasc Kieran Kenny,
National Parks & Wildlife Service Niall Cribbon,
Bord na Mona David Fallon,
Inland Fisheries Ireland John Devaney
Community & Voluntary Public Participation Network Claire Carty
Local Development Local Community Development Committee Pat Murtagh
Land Owners Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association Gerard Grehan
Heritage Groups County Roscommon Historical &
Archaeological Society Mary O’Connell,
Birdwatch Ireland Roscommon Branch Padraig Rocke
County Roscommon Heritage Forum wishes to remember and acknowledge Oliver Burke who represented Teagasc ,
Dr. Judit Kellemen who represented the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Michael Archer who represented the
Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland on the heritage forum. Their contribution to the work of the forum was greatly
appreciated. May they rest in peace.20 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
APPENDIX 2
IDENTIFIED HERITAGE PRIORITIES
Identified Heritage Priorities in the Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021
The County Roscommon Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (LECP) is the new statutory framework
for economic and community development in the county. Any projects outlined in the County Heritage Plan must
support the objectives and actions laid out in the LECP. Most heritage actions in the LECP fall under High Level
Goal 4 to ‘Protect, enhance and maximize the value of Roscommon’s natural, cultural and heritage resources’.
LECP 4.1.1 Deliver the Roscommon County Heritage Plan 2012- 2016 (incorporating County Roscommon Biodiversity
Action Plan) and subsequent County Heritage Plans.
LECP 4.1.2 Supporting the promotion of Rathcroghan as one of the Royal Sites of Ireland, including the proposal for
designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LECP 4.1.3 Maximise the tourism potential arising from the county’s strong natural, cultural and heritage resources
through development and promotion activities, including delivery of related actions in the Local Development
Strategy.
LECP 4.1.4 Implement initiatives as part of the Decade of Commemorations scheduled for the Region.
LECP 4.2.1 Work collaboratively with the community sector to ensure the county’s heritage cultural and natural
resources are utilised to their full potential through implementation of the Roscommon County Arts
Plan and the Roscommon County Library Development Plan.
LECP 4.3.1 Support and implement national, regional and local strategies to promote and ensure environmental
protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment including the River Shannon and
its waterways.
LECP 4.5.1 Deliver the County Roscommon Biodiversity Action Plan which is incorporated in the Roscommon County
Heritage Plan 2012-2016, and subsequent Biodiversity Action Plans.
LECP 4.5.2 Deliver actions to promote, protect and enhance biodiversity in County Roscommon as identified in the
Local Development Strategy and through other funding mechanisms including interregional and
transnational approaches.
LECP 4.6.1 Develop and implement the Roscommon County Development Plan, Local Area Plans and Building Control
Regulations and Regional Planning Guidelines to ensure all development is undertaken in an appropriate
and sustainable manner.HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 21
APPENDIX 2 continued
Identified Heritage Priorities in the County Roscommon Tourism Statement of Strategy and Work programme 2017-2022
ACTION: To build the capacity of all stakeholders to maximise tourism in County Roscommon
TASK LEAD
Support the bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status County Roscommon Heritage Forum
for Rathcroghan
Prioritise the enhancement and conservation of significant Roscommon County Council,
heritage sites that currently have (or have not) public access Roscommon Leader Partnership
to enhance their tourism potential e.g. Ballintober Castle,
Rindoon, Castle Island
Explore potential of genealogy-based visitors in partnership Roscommon County Council including County Roscommon
with the Genealogy Centre, Strokestown and the National Heritage Forum
General Register Office, Roscommon and other strategic partners
ACTION: To develop the tourism potential of the River Shannon and its main tributaries,
enhance access to the river and to promote the visitor experience provided by the tourism
attractions, activities, events and accommodation providers in the region.
TASK LEAD
Agree and develop ‘The Mighty Shannon: Lough Ree and the Roscommon County Council
Mid Shannon Wetland’ project with partners.
Focus investment on enhancing access to River Shannon and Roscommon County Council
River Suck and to the major heritage sites.
ACTION: To develop and promote a series of walking and cycling routes that give enhances
access to our countryside, heritage and water-based attractions.
TASK LEAD
Develop new walking / cycling routes aligned with identified Roscommon County Council
priorities i.e. River Shannon, significant heritage sites etc.22 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
APPENDIX 3
HOW THIS PLAN WAS PREPARED
This plan was prepared by County Roscommon heritage Forum having regard to guidance set out in ‘A Methodology
for Local Authority Heritage Officers on the Preparation of County/City Heritage Plans’ as prepared by the Heritage
Council, 2001.
DATE TASK
January 2017 Meeting of County Roscommon Heritage Forum to discuss preparation of the new Heritage Plan.
March 2017 Open meeting and discussion on Creative Ireland 2017-2022
April 2017 Public Consultation Newsletter and Submission Form was publicised through the Heritage Office
mailing list, Roscommon County Council website & Facebook page and press releases to local
media. The Public Participation Network was sent the documents for review.
May 2017 Advert in Roscommon Herald calling for submissions.
June 2017 Submissions received were collated and discussed at a Heritage Forum Meeting. Priority issues
were identified.
July 2017 Draft Heritage Plan prepared and brought before the Economic Development & Enterprise Support
(including Roads & Culture) SPC.
September 2017 Meeting of County Roscommon Heritage Forum to discuss draft Heritage Plan.
October 2017 Adoption of Heritage Plan by Elected Members of Roscommon County Council.HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 23 APPENDIX 4 HERITAGE LEGISLATION National and EU Legislation The following is a list of important national and EU legislation for the protection, conservation and enhancement of our Heritage. The full text of the Irish legislation is available at http://irishstatutebook.ie E.U. legislation is available at http://europa.eu/documentation/legislation/index en.htm Heritage and Planning Planning and Development Act, 2000-2012 Heritage Act, 1995 Environmental Impact Assessment (Council Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended) Strategic Environmental Assessment (Council Directive 2001/42/EC) Built Heritage National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004 National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monument (misc. provisions) Act 1999 Planning and Development Act, 2000 Natural Heritage and Waterways Wildlife Acts, 1976 -2011 European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC ), 1979 Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), 1992 Water Framework Directive (Council Directive 2000/60/EC), 2000 Freshwater Fish Directive (Council Directive 78/659/EC) 1978 Groundwater Directive (Council Directive 2006/118/EC) 2006 Fisheries (Amendment) Acts 1999- 2003 Inland Fisheries Act 2010 Environmental Liability Directive (Council Directive 2004/35/EC) 2004 Museums and Archives National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 Local Government Acts 1994 and 2001 National Archives Act, 1986 Civil Registration Act, 2004
24 HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021
APPENDIX 4 continued
Landscapes and Heritage Gardens & Parks
Planning and Development Act 2000-2012
European Landscape Convention 2000
Miscellaneous
Data Protection Act, 1988
Freedom of Information Act, 1997
Civil Registration Act 2004
Ireland has signed and ratified many International Conventions and Agreements in relation to Heritage protection including
the following which are of particular importance.
UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972 (ratified, 1992)
European Convention on the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada Convention), 1997
European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention), 1992
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), 1974.
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), 1971
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention), 1979
Convention of Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention), 1979
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 (ratified, 1996)
Agreement on Conservation of Bats in Europe (Bonn Convention), 1993 (ratified, 1995)
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994 (1996)
Agreement of the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) (Bonn Convention), 1996
Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (endorsed 1995)
European Landscape Convention, 2000 (ratified, 2002)
European Cultural Convention (Paris Convention) 1954
Council of Europe Framework Convention on the value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention) 2005HERITAGE PLAN 2017 - 2021 25
APPENDIX 5
Useful Sources of Heritage Information
Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 & Local Area Plans
There is lots of heritage information in the Roscommon County Development Plan and Local Area Plans produced by
the Planning Section of Roscommon County Council. These can be viewed at the Roscommon County Council Planning
Section or online at http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Planning/Roscommon-County-Council-Planning-
Publications/Roscommon-County-Council-Planning-Publications/. Chapter 6 – Built Heritage and Archaeology and
Chapter 7 Natural Heritage of the County Development Plan in particular contain lots of heritage information as
well as heritage related planning and development policies and objectives for the county.
Some very useful websites are:
www.archaeology.ie www.npws.ie
www.buildingsofireland.ie
www.heritagecouncil.ie
www.biodiversityireland.ie
www.heritagemaps.ie
www.roscommoncoco.ie
www.teagasc.ie www.coillte.ie
www.fisheriesireland.ie
www.roscommonroots.com
Social media, such as Facebook is also a very useful tool for linking in with heritage groups around the county and for
sharing information. Facebook by its nature is very changeable so a Facebook search is well worth a shot for finding
groups or people interested in the same aspects of heritage.Roscommon County Council
Áras an Chontae
Roscommon
Co. Roscommon
F42 VR98
Tel: 090 6637100
Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie
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