Heritage Horizons: Pathways to the Future

Heritage Horizons was a full-day event hosted by the Heritage Council at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on May 1^st 2025 which brought together elected representatives, policymakers, academics, and senior figures from the heritage and culture sectors to discuss three core themes:

• The Economics of Heritage – examining the significant economic contribution of heritage and the need for stronger data and evaluation frameworks. LINK TO PANEL BELOW
• Identity and Heritage – discussing how heritage shapes our personal and collective identity and how evolving perspectives should be reflected in policy. LINK TO PANEL BELOW
• Climate and Heritage – assessing the growing risks posed by climate change and exploring heritage-led solutions for resilience and adaptation. LINK TO PANEL BELOW

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An Taoiseach Micheál Martin launched the conference, underlining Government support and commitment to these crucial policy measures.

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The conference also featured a keynote speech from singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, followed by a reaction panel with commentary from three expert speakers. 

Our Vision for the Future

Aligned with the conference themes, the Heritage Council is advocating for three key policy measures to ensure a sustainable future for heritage in Ireland. They include:

• Reviewing the Heritage Act 1995 as committed to in the current Programme for Government to reflect Ireland’s evolving heritage landscape, particularly the need to better protect intangible cultural heritage, biodiversity, and digital heritage.
  
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• Establishing a Heritage Research Unit within the Heritage Council, as committed to in the current Programme for Government. This unit would provide robust data on the economic and social impact of heritage, strengthening the case for investment and ensuring evidence-based policy decisions.
  
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• Creating a National Climate Risk Register for Heritage to identify the heritage sites, landscapes, and cultural assets most vulnerable to climate impacts and to inform targeted mitigation and adaptation efforts at local and national levels.
  
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More information on the Heritage Council’s Programme for Government commitments.

Heritage Horizons Conference Panels

The Economics of Heritage Panel

Heritage plays a vital and growing role in Ireland’s economy, contributing €4.6bn annually and supporting an estimated 62,000 jobs. However, the heritage sector currently faces significant challenges in collecting and analysing data on its economic impact, employment, and broader social contributions.

At ‘Heritage Horizons’, three panellists explored how the Government’s commitment to establishing a heritage research unit within the Heritage Council will help the sector further professionalise.

Panellists:

• Head of Social and Economic Analysis with Historic England, Adala Leeson
• Director of the UK’s National Conservation Service, Chris Woods
• Associate Director at KPMG, James Chilton

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Identity and Heritage

Recent research by the Heritage Council shows that our own personal heritage – family traditions, connections to place, intergenerational knowledge – are the elements of heritage that shape us more than anything else.

Since the Heritage Act was signed 30 years ago, our understanding of the word has expanded significantly. Yet, key aspects of heritage that resonate today – such as intangible cultural heritage, multicultural heritage, and biodiversity – are not reflected in the legislation.

At ‘Heritage Horizons’, three panellists explored how identity and heritage are deeply intertwined, and how evolving perspectives should be recognised in policy and legislation.

Panellists:

• Musician, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich
• Writer and journalist with The Irish Times, Sorcha Pollak
• Filmmaker and director, Pat Collins

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Climate and Heritage

Ireland’s heritage faces significant and growing risks from climate change. At the same time, heritage holds the key to help us tackle climate change and strengthen climate resilience. Traditional knowledge, skills, practices and nature-based solutions offer valuable pathways to mitigate climate impacts and support adaptation efforts.

At ‘Heritage Horizons’, three panellists explored the challenges posed by climate change while, crucially, positioning heritage not just as something at risk, but as a vital part of the solution for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Panellists:

• UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University, Prof. Cornelius

Holtorf

• Professor of Cultural Geography at the University of Exeter, Prof. Caitlin DeSilvey
• Co-Director of the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water & Professor of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin, Prof. Yvonne Buckley

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Keynote reaction panel

Panel members

• Anja Murray, Ecologist, Environmental Broadcaster and Writer
• Eileen Flynn, Independent Senator
• Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer with Bohemians Football Club