Publications & Reports

Many traditional farm buildings may be home to nesting birds. As these are protected by law, buildings in receipt of a REPS 4

Traditional Farm Buildings Grant may require a bat and/ or bird survey before any works commence.

In making this submission, the Heritage Council sought to support Government in its international and national commitments concerning biodiversity and its protection, conservation and management. These include commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU target to halt biodiversity loss by 2010, as well as several EU Directives and national legislation.

The emphasis of the study was on science-based knowledge, but the team also drew on its considerable collective experience of working in the forestry sector. Submissions were sought from all interested parties, and a public meeting was held to present draft conclusions followed by a discussion.

Seaweed is one of Ireland’s least-used resources. As an island with a 7,000 kilometre coastline, located in the warm and fertile waters of the Gulf Stream, we have an abundance of many
different kinds of seaweed. Although we currently use only a small fraction of Irish seaweed, this situation is changing. 

Attention is turning to the sea as a source of food, energy, and raw material for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Ireland’s interesting history of harvesting seaweed is about to
begin a new chapter.

In November 2008, the Heritage Council hosted a seminar to progress the work of its Shannon Waterway Corridor Study and to explore ways for all agencies involved in management of the

River Shannon to work together. You can download copies of the presentations delivered at the seminar below. Summaries of the presentations are provided in this document.

Using the conservation plan methodology introduced into Ireland by the Heritage Council,
the historical significance of all aspects of the building and site were documented. Based on a
careful survey of its qualities, Consarc Architects drew up plans for the building’s re-use. 

The
Heritage Council, conscious of the rich tapestry of history that could be read in the buildings,
was anxious to demonstrate that 'heritage' is a living thing, and that having a respectful attitude
to heritage does not curtail creativity, or contemporary interventions.

In this edition - Áras na hOidhreachta: the archaeology of a palatial past - the history of the Bishop's Palace in Kilkenny, home to the Heritage Council and an important piece of our national heritage.

Also in this Issue:

- Celebrating Biodiveristy Week 2008 - How do we really feel about biodiversity loss? The Lichen Ireland project 2005 - 2008 and creating green infrastructure. Pollution in China, the wise use of wetlands, thatching and Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny.

These guidelines have been developed for Ecological Consultants to standardise both the methodology for survey of structures within the Heritage Council’s Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme and the reporting of same. In developing these guidelines, we have drawn on a wide range of expertise and believe that the advice given is the best that is currently available. Bat surveys submitted to the building owner and the Heritage Council must adhere to these guidelines in order to satisfy grant requirements under the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme.

This Public Realm Plan for the Walled Town of Fethard seeks to provide a strategic framework by which the town can maximise the benefits of its many assets, without losing those special qualities that give it character and charm.