COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
QUESTION NO. 15
QUESTION: Councillor J. Neville
"To ask the Manager for a detailed update on the Heritage Forum and proposed Heritage Plan within the remit of this Area Committee?"
REPLY:
The public consultation period for the South Dublin County Heritage Plan extended from 14th July to the 17th September 2008. 37 written submissions were received and 5 evening public consultation meetings were held in Lucan, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Rathcoole, and Clondalkin. The public submissions to the Heritage Plan are currently being processed.
The South Dublin County Heritage Forum has been established and has met on two occasions: 15th July and 24th September 2008. The membership stands at 25 individuals, representing a broad range of stakeholders. Membership from within the Council includes elected members (x3), council staff from Planning, Parks, Community Services, Arts, Library, the Heritage officer, the Conservation Officer and the Tourism Executive.
Members from outside the Council include representatives from DoEHLG (Archaeologist and Wildlife Conservation Ranger), Waterways Ireland, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, Tree Council of Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Baldonnell Military Museum, Rural Development Programme, and Coillte. Two local historians and an archaeologist are also participating on the Forum.
To facilitate the efficient assessment of submissions and to assist in the determination of proposed objectives and actions that will form the basis of a draft Heritage Plan, 5 smaller working groups have been established. These groups will focus on the heritage-related topics of archaeology, architecture, natural environment, cultural heritage, and education. The establishment of these working groups offers the opportunity for other individuals and groups in the County to participate in the process while also bringing additional experience and expertise to the table. In total, the current membership of the 5 working groups stands at 35 and confirmation is awaited from a number of additional potential participants.
The working groups will meet a number of times prior to the end of 2008. Additional meetings of these groups and the Forum itself will follow in January 2009 with a first draft of the Heritage Plan to be expected by late January/early February 2008.