Sir, – Coming at the end of National Heritage Week, Frank McDonald's article ("Appeal to State to keep Bantry House rare works from sale", September 3rd) on the importance of Bantry House, and the looming sale and dispersal of its wonderful contents, serves as a timely warning of what is at stake if we fail to invest in an adequate and ongoing basis in what is a core element of all our lives, namely our national and cultural heritage.
It also takes me back 20 years, when the Heritage Council mounted a campaign to save similar collections and property at Headfort House in Meath. That campaign resulted in the government of the day setting up the Heritage Fund Act to save us as a nation scrabbling about for funds when these crisis situations arise. Regrettably, that fund has not been used since 2008.
The Heritage Council has also sought to help the owners of Bantry House, and between 2000 and 2010 we managed to invest a total of €210,000 to support this vital national heritage venue and its contents. Our capacity to offer continued support ceased in recent years when the Heritage Council suffered totally disproportionate cuts in funding from government.
That wrong now needs urgent correction, and the welcome recovery in the country’s economic fortunes is an opportunity for the current Government and other stakeholders to support our natural and cultural heritage resources in a more tangible way. This is not merely a matter of aesthetics, or preserving our past. It also makes sound economic sense, with cultural and heritage tourism now a vital revenue earner for this country.
We will be emphasising just that point in dialogue with Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphries in the weeks and months to come, and supporting her in her efforts to secure greater funding for her department. It is time once again to invest on a regular basis in all aspects of our natural and cultural heritage.
The returns to us all are immense. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL STARRETT,
Chief Executive,
The Heritage Council,
Áras na hOidhreachta,
Church Lane,
Kilkenny.