Madam, - The Irish Georgian Society heartily welcomes the decision to reinstate the word heritage into the title of a Government Department; its removal had been a serious blow to the morale of all concerned with Ireland's rich heritage. It is to be hoped that this move signals further badly needed action in the near future to enhance and support the role of heritage in general.
However, the break-up of Dúchas (Editorial, April 28th) appears to be a retrograde step, as it results in division of responsibilities for the built heritage from and natural heritage; this goes against the European trend towards integrated heritage management.
Also worrying is the aspiration to give local authorities more responsibility for heritage. Unless such a development is backed up by considerable resources it is doomed to failure. The excellent Part IV legislation of the Planning Act 2000 placed heavy extra burdens on local authorities and its implementation is now grinding to a halt at ground level through lack of adequate resources.
The built heritage is not a renewable resource and steps to protect it cannot wait. Action is needed now, not in five or ten years' time. - Yours, etc.,
DESMOND FITZGERALD,
Knight of Glin,
President, Irish
Georgian Society,
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.
Sir, - Tony Quinn (May 1st) asks two questions arising from the recent reorganisation of heritage functions at central government level. Both deserve a response.
Responsibility for the State's national parks is unaffected by the recently announced changes. As before, this will rest with the Department of the Environment and Local Government (whose title will soon be formally changed by the addition of a reference to heritage).
Annual Heritage Cards will continue to be valid, as before, for access to the full range of the State's built and natural heritage properties, whether these are administered by the Office of Public Works or this Department. Suitable publicity will be given to this in the context of implementing the new organisational arrangements. - Yours, etc.,
DAN PENDER,
Press Officer,
Department of the
Environment
and Local Government,
Dublin 2.