How do you define Wexford's "culture" and does it differ from that of other counties? This is one of the questions that will exercise the minds of Wexford people in the new year when a countywide consultation process begins.
The task has been undertaken by the Wexford County Development Board, which was established in February and, in common with other boards throughout the State, has set about drawing up strategies on economic, social and cultural development.
Rather than appoint a committee of experts to examine the issue, the Wexford board decided to ask the people what they perceive to be the county's culture and what they think is particularly worth preserving and developing.
The board's director, Mr Tony Larkin, said meetings will be held in Wexford town, Enniscorthy, Gorey and New Ross at which community groups and individuals will be invited to offer views on what the cultural strategy for Wexford should involve.
The process was begun last week at a conference in Enniscorthy at which speakers from inside and outside the county, including Dr Alan Titley of St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, and the broadcaster Eamon Dunphy, outlined various perspectives on the meaning of culture.
A series of workshops was held at which subjects as varied as village culture, architecture, hedgerows, sport, music, television and pubs were all discussed as aspects of local culture.
The ideas which arose will form part of a discussion document being drawn up by the county development board, and this will be used as the basis for the planned consultation process.