ISSN - 1393 - 9777 SUMMER 2004

MANAGING OUR OCEANS How do we prevent over-exploitation?

THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY thinking globally, acting locally

ARCHAEOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY IRELAND Challenges and opportunities

COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS • OUR HISTORIC HOMES • PILGRIM PATHS • HERITAGE EVENTS

The Heritage Council works to protect and enhance the richness, quality and diversity of our national heritage for everyone.

www.heritagecouncil.ie CONTENTS Heritage News 3 FEATURES Managing our Oceans - John Molloy 6 Exploring the Convention on Biological C O M M E N T Diversity - Liam Lysaght 11 Archaeology in Contemporary Ireland - hat is heritage? When most people Ian Doyle 16 hear the word ‘heritage’, they think ‘history’. When asked the question: Freedom to roam? - Eleanor Flegg 18 W ‘What is Heritage?’, many would immediately The Heritage in Schools Scheme - think of man-made dwellings, including castles, Conor Kelleher 21 manors, and thatched cottages. Local heritage is St Kevin's Way - Emer Ní Bhrádaigh 22 often viewed in terms of tangibles such as old buildings or monuments, suggesting man’s New Guidelines on Rural Housing - influence on our surroundings, man’s building Stephen Rhys-Thomas 24 prowess and craftmanship. National heritage is Our Historic Homes - seen as something more abstract, encompassing Dr Hugh Maguire 28 what we share as a nation - our folklore, lan- guage and so on. REGULARS This common understanding of the term Poetry 26 ‘heritage’ as equal to ‘history’ provides a great Gallery: Daragh Muldowney 27 challenge to the Heritage Council. The perception that heritage is historical and man-made is dan- Book reviews 30 gerously confining, as if conserving churches and Crossword 31 castles will suffice to safeguard our heritage. It Event Notice Board 32 won’t. You will see from the articles in this maga- zine that the Council’s brief is more varied than Staff and Officers 35 this. You will also see how our natural environ- ment is a fundamental aspect - the fundamental Produced by Isabell Smyth - The Heritage Council aspect - of our heritage. It is our living heritage. Edited by Juanita Browne, Designed by Ian Barry Protecting our environment, in the face of urban development, increased commercialisation of farming practices and other threats, is a lynchpin in safeguarding our heritage. Heritage is about conserving in order to pass on to future genera- tions. What legacy will be valued more than our birds, our wildlife, our trees, our countryside? Under the National Heritage Act (1995), ‘heritage’ is defined as including the following: Established under the Heritage Act of 1995 monuments; archaeological objects; heritage Heritage Council, Rothe House, objects; architectural heritage; flora and fauna; Parliament St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny wildlife habitats; landscapes; seascapes and wrecks; Tel: 056-7770777 Fax: 056-7770788 geology; heritage gardens and parks; and inland Email: [email protected] www.heritagecouncil.ie waterways. This broader view of heritage, aside from taking the term out of the historical context, For further contact details see page 35. means we are suddenly all involved. We see pre- serving ancient chalices and monuments as some- HERITAGE COUNCIL MEMBERS: one else’s job, typically that of Government, but Dr Tom O’Dwyer(Chairperson), mention the environment and we know we’re all Dr Simon Berrow, Mary Bryan, Dr Con Costello, responsible. I hope this magazine is a step towards Ruth Delany, Nessa Dunlea, Deirdre Ellis-King, re d ressing a distorted perception of heritage. Maurice Hurley, Michael MacMahon, Heritage isn’t just to be found in museums. It’s Eamonn McEneaney, Michael McNamara, amongst the people, in the silence of the fields and Mary Moylan, Fr Tomás Ó Caoimh, noise of the city streets. Nioclás O’Conchubhair, Prof W J Smyth, Michael Starrett Chief Executive Virginia Teehan, Primrose Wilson. AN CHOMHAIRLE OIDHREACHTA

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The ESB Cooling Towers now demolished at Rhode. Courtesy of the Electricity Supply Board. RHODE COOLING TOWERS out the assessment of the remaining cooling DEMOLISHED towers. The main findings of this study con- With the demolition of the two cooling towers curred with the ESB’s earlier findings and con- at Rhode, Co Offaly, on March 16th, the only cluded that if one tower was to be retained, the remaining tower in the Irish landscape is at cost of repair would be several million euro and Bellacorrick. Seven cooling towers were origi- funding would be required for long-term main- nally built by the ESB, but they have gradually tenance. The cost of insurance would also be been demolished over the past few years. prohibitive. When first built in the 1950s, the towers It had to be reluctantly accepted that caused an outcry, and were described as a resources were not available to invest such large blight on the landscape, only tolerated by the sums into one monument, and that the towers local communities on condition that they would have to come down. ESB have agreed to would be demolished at the end of their consider commissioning a suitable model of designed life span, which was to be 25 years. cooling towers to record their special impact How times have changed! Over the years, the and their operational details. same structures became symbolic of the electri- - Mary Hanna, Architectural Officer, fication of Ireland, and their presence on the the Heritage Council flat landscape of the midlands began to be looked on with great affection. The Heritage HERITAGE STUDIES IN Council became involved with the ESB at the LETTERFRACK time of the demolition of the cooling tower at Instead of bringing students to lecture halls, Portarlington, when there was considerable Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology is bring- public outrage at the loss of this part of our ing lectures out to students. The first to bene- industrial heritage. The loss of more towers was fit from this new learning initiative will be her- Preparing for anticipated, and the Heritage Council asked itage enthusiasts near Letterfrack, about 50 the new founda- the ESB to look at the possibility of keeping at miles from Galway city. tion course in heritage studies, least one tower in the landscape. in Letterfrack, Studies commissioned by the ESB described are, from left, Paul Gosling, the three remaining towers, at Rhode and GMIT lecturer, Bellacorrick, as having come to the end of their Mary useful life. Concrete design in the 1950s was MacCague, Head of less advanced, and in some parts the steel rein- Department in forcement had less than 50% of the required the School of Humanities, concrete cover. With no further use for them, GMIT, and the cost of maintaining the towers was causing Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer considerable anxiety to the ESB. Nevertheless, in Galway the Heritage Council asked the ESB to com- County mission a further independent study to see if at Council. least one cooling tower could be kept as a mon- In March, GMIT, in conjunction with The ument in the landscape. The ESB agreed to Heritage Council and Galway County Council, began heritage studies evening classes in the this, and Bierrums of Bedfordshire UK carried 3 Heritage News

Furniture College, Letterfrack. The eight-week O'Neill have also signed up to host the cultur- course will act as a stepping stone for students al landscape and natural history aspects of the hoping to earn new third-level qualifications. course. "People wanted to know more about Galway's Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion has their local heritage," explained Paul Gosling, worked with Mary MacCague, Head of who specialises in architecture and archaeology. Department in the School of Humanities in To learn more about the foundation course in GMIT, in setting up the eight-week foundation Heritage Studies, contact the School of course. GMIT lecturers Paul Gosling, Carol Humanities in GMIT. Gleeson, Dr Cillian Roden, and Deird re

WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY Saturday May 22nd was World Biodiversity Day and Sophie McCann, Joshua Adido, and Abbie Soon came out to launch a series of local biodiversity events across the countr y, which were coordinated by The Heritage Council in association with local authorities. Events includ- ed guided walks, tree planting, and a coastal wildlife day.

Museum Standards BIODIVERSITY IN CO CLARE and Accreditation This recently-published booklet, introducing Pilot study partici- pants: Martina the biodiversity of County Clare, provides an Malone, Heritage explanation of biodiversity, its importance, and Council; Michael Corcoran, National what it means in the county. One of the main Transport Museum; aims of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan is to Michael Starrett, Heritage Council; raise public awareness and involvement in the Liam Kelly, c o n s e rvation of biodiversity. Spot the 101 National Transport Habitats and Species Museum; and Eithne Verling, in Clare describes 101 Heritage Council habitats and species that occur in the Authors of the mapguides series c o u n t y, including Peter Harbison both rare and familiar and Joss Lynam attended species. the launch of the Copies are avail- Pilgrim Paths able from Elaine Guides in the Royal Irish Keegan, Biodiversity Academy, Action Plan Pro j e c t Dawson Street M a n a g e r, email: recently. e k e e g a n @ c l a re c o c o . i e , Tel. 065-6846456.

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LAUNCH OF PILGRIM PATH GUIDES

Representatives of the pilgrim routes committees, with the Heritage Council Project Steering Group. L to R: Fr Tomás O Caoimh; Isabel Bennett, Cosán na Naomh; Joss Lynam; Michael Begg, St Kevin's Way; Dagmar O Riain Raedel; Deborah Maxwell, Lough Derg; Noel Ahern TD, Minister for State at the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Willie Mullen, St Kevin's Way; Stephen Ryan, St Kevin's Way; Peter Harbison; and Ruth Delany.

Noel Ahern TD, Minister for State at the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Nessa Dunlea, Heritage Council; Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer Kildare Co Council; and Dominic Berridge, Heritage Officer Waterford Co Council attended the launch of the Pilgrim Paths guides in the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street recently. Minister Noel Ahearn officially launched the guides.

CONNEMARA IN STONE - the county. It is also intended to support these Heritage Education through Digital computerised images and movies with an acces- Perspectives of the Natural Landscape sible text aimed at primary and secondary edu- The natural landscape of Connemara provides a cation and the tourism industry. The study will remarkable re s o u rce for geological heritage initially focus on the Twelve Bens region of education and an opportunity to heighten Connemara, an area noted for its ru g g e d awareness and respect for our environment. topography and exposed geology, which Landscape studies can highlight links between attracts geology students from all over the local bedrock and its use in the building and world. Connemara marble quarries, kilometric redevelopment of our cities and towns. and metric folds in the Bens quartzites and Connemara is noted worldwide for its natural Connemara marbles in the scenic Inagh and beauty and its unique geological heritage. As Glencoaghan Valleys are some of the elements part of the first Galway County Heritage Plan awaiting the digital treatment in this study. The 2004-2008, a project funded by the Heritage project will create high quality interactive edu- Council and Galway County Council intends cational packages to heighten our understand- to generate a digital mosaic broadly entitled ing of the natural and cultural heritage aspects ‘Connemara: the story behind the scenery’. of the landscape. This project incorporates the production of a The project is directed by Dr Martin Feely, series of user-friendly perspectives of Galway's Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences and geology and the provision of a facility to read will involve close collaboration with Marie the landscape using three-dimensional perspec- Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway tives of topography married with bedrock and County Council, and Stephen Kelly at the glacial deposits. Geographical Information Systems unit in the Our understanding of landscape develop- Environmental Change Institute at NUIG. ment can now be enhanced by using satellite imagery combined with digital geology maps and digital elevation data. This approach allows for the development of computerised images which enable the geologist to interrogate the The image shows beautiful 470 topography in terms of geological controls million-year-old such as major faults, glacial features and major folds frozen in time in junctions between contrasting rock types. The Connemara mar- result will be a series of computer-generated ble layers. Folds like this, but of three-dimensional perspectives of key landscape kilometre-scale, areas in Connemara, with the geology draped are present in over the topography - these will be made avail- the Twelve Bens, the target area able for viewing at key locations throughout for the project.

5 Managing Our Oceans Fisheries scientist John Molloy explains the challenges of harvesting our marine resources without over-exploiting fish stocks

ntil fairly recently, it was a commonly held most of the stocks exploited by the Irish fishing Ufallacy that fish stocks throughout the fleet were estimated by the Marine Institute in world were inexhaustible and that mankind 2003 to be seriously over-exploited and a small would never be able to decrease them to the number were depleted. It seems that there are extent that they might never recover. Indeed it very few stocks around Ireland that might be was thought that the only factor that might developed further. Even the newly discovered cause this would be some catastrophic environ- ‘deep water species’, such as orange roughy, mental condition that would affect the ability grenadier and deep water sharks that frequent of a stock to reproduce, and as a result it would the waters off the west of Ireland and were first become depleted. However, as every o n e exploited within the last five years, are no knows, we live in an era of rapid and bewilder- longer safe, and this year the scientific advice ing change and many of the world’s fish stocks for many of these is for severe reductions in are now known to be in what fishery scientists catches. call a ‘depleted state’. Not only does this description apply to stocks throughout the many of the important Irish fisheries that world, but it also applies to many of the stocks that are exploited by Irish fishermen. At pres- traditionally sustained countless generations ent, many of the important Irish fisheries that around our shores are in a very poor state traditionally sustained countless generations around our shores are in a very poor state. Most people have heard of the Irish Sea Cod How did we get here? Recovery Plan or the closure of the Irish her- So the obvious question that must be asked is ring fisheries, drastic measures that were how did we allow traditional stocks to be so enforced not just to conserve these stocks, but overfished. The answer, like many other things to prevent them from sinking to such a low in science, is a combination of a number of fac- state that they might never recover. Indeed, tors. The technology of fishing has developed

6 at a phenomenal rate, and this has meant that necessity for some sort of conservation meas- the efficiency of fleets and their ability to catch ures. Numerous by-laws were introduced in the fish has increased. There have been major middle of the 19th century to prevent fishing developments in electronic and acoustic tech- in many bays, estuaries, and inlets. Many of niques, resulting in new methods of detecting these laws, which are still on the statute books, and catching fish shoals in areas that were pre- were based on expert local knowledge and were viously considered as ‘safe havens’, for example, introduced to prevent fishing in what were deep water, rough ground, or wrecks. The type considered ‘nursery’ areas for juvenile fish. It of nets now used by the fleets are such that they would be very worthwhile to review the origins can catch enormous quantities of fish without of these by-laws because many of them seem to bursting, and boats can fish in deep water and be largely ignored or are long forgotten. It was on rocky grounds that were previously consid- clearly recognized that fishing juvenile popula- ered as ‘unfishable’. The fishing vessels are now tions could only lead to stock depletion. There capable of staying at sea for long periods with- were also restrictions on different types of fish- out having to come ashore, often in bad weath- ing. For instance, the introduction of trawling er, and they can travel to areas that were once in Ireland over 100 years ago was only allowed far beyond the reach of the Irish fleet. For after much controversy and considerable vio- example, Irish vessels now regularly fish from lence between different fishing communities Norway to the west coast of Africa, and as far along the coasts. These restrictions were fol- west in the Atlantic as the Porcupine and lowed by further limits on the mesh sizes per- Rockall Banks - which may be over 300 miles mitted in nets and also on the minimum size of from our major ports. In many cases, skippers the fish that could be landed. are forced to work in these circumstances As the European fisheries rapidly expanded because dwindling stocks and restricted catches during the 1960s and 1970s, it became obvious have forced vessel owners to fish further from that these national measures were no longer home and in areas where they would not nec- sufficient to halt declining stocks, and restric- essarily be if stocks were healthy in inshore tions on the size of the Total Annual Catch waters. The increasing demand for fish and the (TAC) taken from any species were introduced. ability of the fleets to meet and outstrip that Thus, the era of TACs and Quota was intro- demand has thus lead to over-exploitation of duced in the 1970s, and the Irish quota were stocks. The situation has been aggravated by first set by the North East Atlantic Fisheries deteriorating water quality in many of the Commission (NEAFC). These TACs and quota important fishing grounds creating conditions then became the responsibility of the EU in the in which fish can no longer survive or repro- early 1980s. duce. It is now apparent that, despite TACs, closed areas, minimum fish sizes and mesh reg- Conservation Measures ulations, the decline in fish stocks has contin- Despite the belief that fish stocks throughout ued and the present management systems have the world were inexhaustible, the older gener- been anything but successful. In a pretty des- ations in Ireland seemed to recognize the perate attempt to decrease the fishing effort,

Traditional mackerel curing at Valentia Island. Photograph courtesy of the National Library, Lawrence Imperial 3063.

7 Traditional mackerel boats restored at Crinniú na mbád, Kinvarra the EU have recently introduced a scheme programmes monitor the state of the stock by whereby vessels are removed from the national examining changes that take place in the age fleets and those remaining may only spend a structure of populations and the growth, mor- certain number of fishing days at sea each year. tality and maturity rates, all of which may These drastic measures have had a serious effect change in relation to fishing intensity. Age in on the traditional Irish fleet and many of our fish is determined once busy fishing ports, such as Dingle, by counting the Scientists deter- Burtonport, Greencastle and Howth, are now winter rings that mine a fish’s age sadly bereft of fishing vessels. All of this has are laid down each by counting the winter rings laid happened in a very short time, and the Irish year on the down each year fishing industry is now reeling from the effects ‘otoliths’ or ear on the otoliths of these conservation and management meas- stones. The or ear stones. Pictured here is ures. re s e a rch surv e y s the ear stone of include egg sur- a four-year-old quota systems have led to large scale mackerel. underreporting of catches

Scientific Advice Stock conservation measures are based on advice given by scientists, and in Europe the scientific advice on fisheries is coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). ICES was first established in 1900 and has its head quarters in Copenhagen. It gives advice to the various fishery manage- ment organisations, such as the EU and the other fishery commissions. ICES coordinates the scientific investigations that are used to Mackerel eggs. assess the state of fish stocks and makes recom- Fish egg surveys mendations each year on what the annual help fisheries catches should be, and also advises on any scientists to learn more other technical regulations that might be about the required. Ireland contributes much to these spawning behav- iour of the investigations and the Irish Marine Institute species. runs a number of very important scientific pro- grammes on stocks that are exploited by the Irish fleets. veys to study spawning behaviour, young fish In general, the assessment of stocks is based surveys to determine the abundance of young on comprehensive biological sampling pro- fish which is necessary to give advice on future grammes on the catches, backed up by differ- stock sizes, acoustic surveys to determine the ent types of surveys which are usually carried size of adult populations, and tagging experi- out by research ships. The biological sampling ments to study migrations. All of these surveys

8 give an indication of how a stock is reacting to Can we do better in future? different fishing intensities. Of course the fish- The present unsatisfactory situation, where, ing intensity is itself determined by the total despite management measures, stocks in many catch and estimating total catches has proved cases are still declining, has stimulated a whole extremely difficult. In addition to the problems new thrust in the scientific approach to how caused by the quota systems which have led to stocks should be assessed and managed. Fishery large scale underreporting of catches, there is scientists are now looking towards a holistic also the problem of fish species that are caught approach to managing marine resources and but are discarded because they are not suitable instead of trying to assess and manage each for human consumption. These fish are dead species separately, as happened in the past, they when they are thrown back into the sea and the are looking at the whole ocean and treating it quantities are sometimes significant. Besides as a single unit that contains many integrated creating problems for the assessment scientist p a rts, all of which are interd e p e n d e n t . who needs to know the amount of fish T h e re f o re, ICES has now set up a new removed each year from the population, it also Advisory Committee on Ecosystems (ACE), deprives many species of important food which will try to advise on multi-species man- sources. It is generally acknowledged that in agement and will include a whole new empha- many cases there is considerable uncertainty sis on the state of the environment. Much more attached to stock estimates, and this in turn has attention will now be paid to aspects such as led to friction between scientists, managers, the quality of the waters, the spawning habitats, and fishermen. the escapement and protection of young fish, and the relationship between fish stocks, There have been major developments in marine mammals and seabirds. In addition to the new scientific approach, electronic and acoustic techniques, result- management authorities have at last realised ing in new methods of catching fish shoals the importance that must be attached to involving fishermen in the assessment and man- in areas that were previously considered as agement process. The ‘stakeholders’ are now ‘safe havens’ becoming increasingly involved in the assess- ment and management of stocks. In Ireland, two new management committees have been

9 Traditional mackerel curing at Valentia Island. Photograph courtesy of the National Library, Lawrence Imperial 3063.

established to deal with the pelagic stocks (her- can be created whereby the oceans can be har- ring, mackerel, horse mackerel). These com- vested in a sensible manner, particularly when it mittees, one based in Killybegs and the other in is constantly under threat from so many Castletownbere, are very serious about their sources. However, there are a number of well- role in assessment and management. They have documented success stories, such as the recov- defined mission statements and management ery of the North Sea and Atlanto-Scandian her- targets and have undertaken a number of suc- ring fisheries. These successes were the result of cessful research projects. They have also intro- really severe management restrictions that were duced their own conservation measures in their rigorously enforced by management authorities areas. This is the type of management envis- and were supported by the fishing communi- aged by the EU and it is hoped that Regional ties. Hopefully the new approach now being Advisory Committees (RACs) will be set up in developed will lead to a revival of the fishing the immediate future. These RACs will, as their industry and a successful future for Irish fishing name implies, manage fisheries on a regional communities. basis and will comprise fishermen, scientists John Molloy retired in 2003, having spent a and local authorities, and will certainly provide lifetime working with the Department of the a much better ‘hands on’ approach to manage- Marine and the Marine Institute. During ment. that time he was involved in the assessment of Although fishery assessment and manage- fish stocks around Ireland and in the provision ment is a very difficult task, this new approach of management advice. He also served on will hopefully provide better results than the many international committees on fish stock now outdated system, which relied heavily on assessments and on EU committees on fisheries TACs and which largely ignored the people management. He spent many years at sea car- most active in the whole procedure, namely the rying out fish surveys around Ireland on com- fishermen. Fishery science can at times be both mercial and research vessels. For details on frustrating and depressing because it is expen- J o h ns ’ recently published book The Irish sive and involves long term research, and it is M a c k e rel Fishery and the making of an often difficult to determine if in fact a system Industry, please see book reviews.

10 think globally, act locally The Convention on Biological Diversity

n 1992, world leaders met at the United some of its messages have percolated down to the Nations Conference on Environment and local level. But while the term ‘biodiversity’ has IDevelopment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attend- been bandied about in many contexts, its meaning ing what has become known as the ‘Eart h is not often fully understood. Summit’. At this meeting, a number of agree- ments were signed, including two binding agree- WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY? ments, the Convention on Climate Change, and Biodiversity, or biological diversity to give it its full the Convention on Biological Diversity, the latter title, is the term given to the variety of life on earth being the first global agreement on the conserva- and the natural patterns it forms. It’s an all-encom- tion and sustainable use of biological diversity. At passing term to describe the rich genetic variety the conference, over 150 governments signed the that makes each individual life form unique; the biodiversity treaty, and today 188 countries have variety of different organisms that occur through- ratified the agreement. Ireland signed the out the world (1.75 million species have already Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and been identified, but scientists believe there may be ratified it in 1996. The Convention is legally bind- in excess of 13 million); and the rich variety of ing - countries that ratify it are obliged to imple- ecosystems or landscapes that occur across the ment its provisions. globe. And, of course, add the influence of human The Convention on Biological Diversity is one activity to this cauldron of life, and the result is a of those sexy policy instruments that has received stunningly diverse environment that makes the a considerable amount of media attention, and earth such a uniquely habitable place for humans.

11 Irish stocks of the white-clawed cray- fish, Austropotamobius pallipes, are consid- ered the strongest in Europe. While 500 species of cray- fish are found in North America, there are only three species native to western Europe. French, British and Spanish stocks of A. pallipes have been decimated due to the introduction of aliens, including the plague-carrying American crayfish. Ireland is now the only European country that does not have American crayfish. © Photograph by Eddie Dunne the importance of things that we take totally for WHY IS BIODIVERSITY granted, such as the ease with which we can grow IMPORTANT? fresh food, due to the enormously complex natu- ral systems that maximise the utility of sunlight, If it weren’t for biological diversity, much of what air, soil, and water. Anything that serves to further we take for granted around us would not function; erode this rich tapestry of life, or that disrupts the therefore, we speak of biodiversity as providing functioning of natural ecological processes, threat- humans with a range of ‘goods and services’ that ens to erode the very fabric of life on which we sustain our lives. Some of the goods and services depend and is of direct relevance to our welfare. that are apparent include the: • provision of food, fuel, and fibre, e.g. fish, live- stock, and crop varieties our physical and spiritual well-being • provision of shelter and building materials, e.g. draw heavily from the experience of timber for construction • provision of medicines interacting with biodiversity • purification of air and water • detoxification and decomposition of wastes • stabilisation and moderation of the Earth's cli- SETTING THE GLOBAL AGENDA mate The Convention on Biological Diversity is a land- • moderation of floods, droughts, temperature mark agreement, as it recognizes in international extremes and the forces of wind law, for the first time, that the conservation of bio- • generation and renewal of soil fertility, includ- logical diversity is "a common concern of ing nutrient cycling humankind" and is an integral part of the devel- • pollination of plants, including many crops opment process. Having been ratified by 188 • control of pests and diseases countries, it is also the largest international agree- • maintenance of genetic resources as key inputs ment, effectively setting a global agenda. The to crop varieties and livestock breeds, medi- Convention is comprehensive in its goals, dealing cines, and other products as it does with the conservation of biodiversity, the • cultural and aesthetic benefits sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, • ability to adapt to change and the sharing of benefits arising from the com- mercial and other utilisation of genetic resources But describing the benefits that biodiversity pro- in a fair and equitable way. vides in a clinical way, as ‘commodities’, does little In the Irish context, and of direct relevance to to encapsulate just how central a role biodiversity the role of the Heritage Council, three aspects of plays in our everyday lives. The aspects of life that the Convention are particularly relevant. The many of us depend upon for our physical and spir- Convention highlights the need to address biodi- itual well-being draw heavily from the experience versity issues in the wider countryside, outside the of interacting with biodiversity. It is no coinci- designated areas and protected sites. It also recog- dence that walking along the bank of a river, nizes that all sectors of society impact upon, and strolling down a country lane, climbing a moun- therefore have a significant role to play in, the tain, hearing birdsong or smelling the fragrances conservation of biological diversity; expecting the of summer is more uplifting than say, sitting on conservation of biological diversity to be achieved concrete or strolling through an industrial heart- through the traditional, protected areas approach land, while listening to cars and cranes. In recog- administered by a single organisation is no longer nizing this, we haven’t even begun to understand adequate. Perhaps of most importance is the clear

12 recognition that there has to be far gre a t e r should be applauded for this new policy direction. involvement by stakeholders in the decision mak- As the Heritage Council has already put a con- ing process. siderable effort into building partnerships with local authorities for dealing with heritage issues at THE NATIONAL the local level by the appointment of Heritage BIODIVERSITY PLAN Officers, it is only logical that this structure would be built upon for development of Local These internationally agreed priorities have been Biodiversity Action Plans. The Heritage Council is translated into an Irish context through the publi- working closely with the Heritage Officers to pro- cation of the National Biodiversity Plan by the vide guidance, support and encouragement in Government in 2002. The National Plan sets out order to enable local authorities to commence this a comprehensive range of actions, which, if imple- p rocess, a process that has been set out in mented, would make a significant contribution to Guidelines for the Production of Local Biodiversity ensuring that the conservation of biological diver- Action Plans, produced by the Heritage Council sity takes a more prominent role in public policy. in March, 2003. However, the absence of any targets or any dedi- cated financial package to facilitate implementa- PROMOTING DIALOGUE tion of the plan is disappointing. Nevertheless, for the first time, Ireland now has a plan for the con- AND UNDERSTANDING servation of biological diversity, and the onus is on The Heritage Council understands that if the con- all of us involved in conservation to work towards servation of biological diversity is to be successful its implementation. at the local level, the development of a local process of dialogue and interaction is far more LOCAL BIODIVERSITY important than the sole production of yet another inert plan. For this reason, the Heritage Council ACTION PLANS seeks a commitment from the local authority to To this end, the Heritage Council has identified establish a working group or steering committee Action 10 of the National Biodiversity Plan as to oversee the development of the Local being of particular importance to its work. It Biodiversity Action Plan. And while this group states: “Each Local Authority (is) to prepare a would embark upon, and have the objective of Local Biodiversity Plan in consultation with rele- producing a Local Biodiversity Action Plan, much vant stakeholders”. This action is a very significant of their work, initially at least, would be on policy development as it recognizes, for the first becoming familiar with the concepts underpinning time, the key role that local authorities have to b i o d i v e r s i t y, identifying the rich biodiversity play in addressing and coordinating biodiversity resources of the area, and understanding how the issues at the local level. It also recognizes that the actions of the diff e rent sectors influence this biodiversity process needs to be additional to the resource. It is only when this groundwork has traditional statutory protection and designated been completed can it reasonably be expected for a rea approach, which is the responsibility of the different groups to fully buy into the process, National Parks and Wildlife. The government take responsibility for their own actions, and make

Marsh Fritillary, Euphydryas aurinia. Once widespread in Ireland and Britain, the marsh fritillary suffered a severe decline in the 20th century. It is considered to be one of the most endangered species in Europe, making the Irish popula- tion internation- ally important. © Robert Thompson

13 The Irish Draught Horse, a rare breed. ‘Enniskeane Flash’, Winner of the Irish Draught Mare Championship at the Dublin Horse Show in 2001. Photograph cour- tesy of Billy Cotter

a real commitment to enshrining the objectives to servation. The task facing us now is to convince conserve biological diversity within their own the other local authorities that the need to con- sphere of influence. This process will take time, serve biological diversity is a worthwhile and but time invested in this important process can pay important activity; and that while superficially it rich dividends. may appear very low down on their list of priori- Cynics will claim that this process lacks gravi- ties - compared with catering for local housing tas, has no concrete powers, and deflects attention needs, the provision of sanitary and other services from the real business of enforcing our nature and the maintenance of local infrastructure - how conservation and planning laws. After all, our pro- issues that could be considered incidental to core tected areas - Special Areas of Conservation, activities are dealt with says much about the rich- Special Protection Areas and Natural Heritage ness and health of the society in which we live. I Areas - are the jewels in the crown of Ireland’s nat- very much hope that in dealing with biodiversity ural heritage. There is no denying that the need to issues we demonstrate that we are a rich, mature ensure the favourable conservation status of pro- and confident society that can stand up to the seri- tected areas must remain a priority for nature con- ous threat posed to Ireland’s biodiversity by the servation in Ireland. However, if anything has rampant individualism that appears to have become apparent in recent years it is that this is a gripped the country in recent years. very difficult process and does little to win over friends to the side of conservation. Clearly what is THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF A needed is a parallel process whereby the support of LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION people, be they farmers, local community groups, PLAN, AS PROPOSED BY THE private sector workers or public servants, is sought to achieve positive results. The beauty of the Local HERITAGE COUNCIL Biodiversity Action Plan process is that you can There are several distinct elements in the Local deflect attention from telling people ‘what they Biodiversity Action Plan process, and some of must not do’ towards tapping into people’s good- these follow a logical sequence of steps. However, will and interests and translating this interest and work on the different elements need not com- contribution into something positive and con- mence sequentially, but can commence as oppor- structive. tunities arise. The production of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan would place all the initia- I very much hope that in dealing with tives in context and present an agreed plan for local action. biodiversity issues we demonstrate that we The main elements of the process are as follows: are a rich, mature and confident society • Establish a Biodiversity Working Group that can stand up to the serious threat posed • Promote and raise awareness of the conserva- to Ireland’s biodiversity by the rampant tion of biological diversity • Consult with individuals and organisations individualism that appears to have gripped • Establish a database the country in recent years • Audit the local biodiversity resource • Identify information gaps THE FUTURE CHALLENGE • Establish priorities and set targets Six local authorities have already given a commit- • Identify delivery mechanisms and financial ment to commence the Local Biodiversity Action sources Plan process, and in three, the process is well • Produce draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan underway. Where the process has commenced, • A g ree and publish the Local Biodiversity people have been surprised at the amount of Action Plan goodwill that exists out there towards nature con- • Monitor and review

14 It is thought that A cuckoo wrasse, the giant hog- Labrus mixtus, in weed from the Irish waters. Caucasus was Surveying fish and introduced into marine mammals is Irish gardens at difficult, but the the end of the challenge of esti- nineteenth cen- mating biodiversity tury due to its in marine microor- architectural ganisms seems vir- shape. It has tually impossible. spread into wild Photograph by areas and causes Eddie Dunne problems when it makes contact with humans. The sap from the plant sensitises skin to sunlight, causing large, painful blisters. Photograph by Eddie Dunne.

CONSERVING IRELAND’S support important populations of salmon, Salmo BIODIVERSITY s a l a r, white-clawed crayfish, A u s t ro p o t a m o b i u s Invasive species – a growing threat to pallipes, river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, and Ireland’s native biodiversity brook lamprey, L. planeri, freshwater pearl mussel, M a rgaritifera mar g a r i t i f e r a , and otter, L u t r a Non-native species that become invasive can trans- lutra, all of which are listed for special protection form ecosystems and threaten native species and terrestrial, marine, natural and semi-natural habi- measures under the EU Habitats Directive. The tats. They can also damage economic interests, riches provided by our rivers cannot be measured such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and can in purely economic terms, yet it has been calculat- ed that the overall salmon angling resource is threaten public health. Invasive species are consid- Û ered one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worth in excess of 90 million. worldwide, and are a growing threat to Ireland’s native biodiversity. Some of the best documented The marine environment examples of the impact of invasive species in Irish coastal waters are immensely important, if I reland include rh o d o d e n d ron, R h o d o d e n d ro n not the most important, component of Ireland’s ponticum,the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, biological diversity, but our knowledge of the and giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum. resource is incomplete. Twenty four species of cetacean (whales and dolphins) and at least 446 Genetic diversity in agriculture fish species have been recorded in Irish territorial Agricultural activities have contributed to genetic waters. It has been estimated that there are at least diversity of domesticated species through cultiva- 700 species of phytoplankton. But describing bio- tion, selection and breeding over millennia, result- diversity according to species at the micro-organ- ing in a very large number of locally adapted live- ism scale in the marine environment cre a t e s stock breeds or crop varieties. Modern farming unique difficulties. To put these difficulties in per- practices draw on an increasingly narrow range of spective, surveyors of marine macro-organisms are genetic variation in production, meaning many faced with tens to hundreds of individuals per local breeds and varieties have been abandoned. cubic metre of water, but the abundance of micro- Non-governmental organisations, like the Irish organisms will be several orders of magnitude Seed Savers Association and the Irish Draught greater. For this reason, a system of bacterial tax- Horse Society have done enormous work to save onomy has developed based on function rather local crop varieties and local livestock breeds from than on structure, which fits poorly into the tradi- being lost from the genetic pool. tional, largely terrestrial-based classifications that underpin the convention on biological diversity. Ireland’s rivers Clearly, if we are to halt biodiversity loss by 2010, Ireland is fortunate to have an extensive network which is the commitment of the European Union, of rivers and streams. These rivers are an enor- then we have much work to do. mously rich source of biological diversity. Despite – Dr. Liam Lysaght, Ecologist, deteriorated water quality, Ireland’s rivers still The Heritage Council 15 Challenges and Opportu n i t i e s Ar chaeology in Contemporary Irel a n d

The remains of a Neolithic house uncovered dur- ing archaeologi- cal excavation in Kishoge town- land, Dublin. The trenches excavated in the ground would have held upright timber posts (Courtesy of E O’Donovan of M Gowen & Co. Ltd)

reland is fortunate in that it possesses a series of the profession and to determine the developing of archaeological field monuments dating needs of archaeologists. Accordingly, in 2002, the Ifrom the prehistoric period up to the present Heritage Council and the Institute of day. These survive intact and above ground in our Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) commissioned a countryside and urban areas. Attempts at quanti- re p o rt entitled Profile of the Arc h a e o l o g i c a l fying the numbers of such monuments have pro- Profession and Educational Resources in Ireland. duced estimates of 120,000, and this is the This study found that, in mid-2002, some 650 approximate number detailed on the maps and archaeologists were employed in Ireland, North lists produced by the Archaeological Survey of and South. A survey of some 400 archaeologists Ireland. However, the nature of the archaeologi- found that the respondents were divided almost cal record is such that many other unidentified equally by gender; the average age of the survey sites lie hidden beneath topsoil or buildings. respondents was 37 years; and the majority of Archaeologists have made significant advances in archaeologists were working on short-term con- detecting such concealed sites by means of aerial tracts, particularly in the contracting sector. photography and advanced surveying techniques. Contrary to recent media reports, the annual In line with the rapid changes to the Irish average earnings among respondents was in the economy in recent years, the archaeological pro- region of Û35,690. The clear need for a pro- fession has undergone significant change. Some gramme of further education and training was 15 years ago, a fledgling private sector existed also articulated. The vast majority of archaeolo- alongside the longer established archaeologists in gists possess a primary degree and a high propor- the National Museum of Ireland, the Office of tion also possess a postgraduate qualification. Public Works, and in the universities. In the inter- Most graduates find that further training is useful vening period, the archaeological private sector to make the transition to private practice and to has grown considerably. This is partly attributable facilitate additional learning. This need is current- to the completion of survey maps of archaeologi- ly being addressed by the design of a Continuous cal sites and county inventories, as well as legisla- Professional Development (CPD) programme by tive requirements for environmental assessments the IAI. Such a programme, which will be imple- and impact statements. The majority of archaeol- mented through the IAI with design funding by ogists are now engaged as archaeological consult- the Heritage Council, should allow for an ants and contractors in private practices of varying improved service by the archaeological profession size. The greater part of this work is undertaken in the context of its rapid development. prior to development work such as National An insight into the challenges and opportu- Development Plan infrastructural projects or nities facing Irish archaeology at present can be housing construction, etc. gained by a cursory examination of the discovery In the face of such obvious growth, the of Neolithic houses. Structures from this period Heritage Council sought to assess the expansion of the Stone Age (circa 4000-2000BC) consist of

16 rectangular or sub-circular buildings, usually with The oldest known house a hearth for heat, light and cooking. Some of the from Co larger rectangular structures can measure up to 15 Dublin: Drawing of the metres in length and possess internal subdivisions. Neolithic house It appears that vertical plank walling was a widely from Kishoge used construction technique, although buildings during construc- tion (Courtesy of post and wattle have also been uncovered and of E stone footings are also known. The roofs of these O’Donovan of M Gowen & structures would have been thatched. Such build- Co. Ltd. ings from the Neolithic period are rarely found in Publication of this site is forth- upstanding condition, and frequently only the coming in vol- i m p ressions of posts survive in the gro u n d . ume XII of the During excavation, the construction tre n c h e s Journal of Irish Archaeology) used to accommodate such posts or planks become visible, particularly so if the building The recent discovery of such Neolithic burned down. Traces of such burnt planks have structures represents a significant shift in the data been found in areas such as Kishogue, in South available to archaeologists. A more island-wide County Dublin, and Tankardstown South, Co distribution of Neolithic houses is now apparent, Limerick; although whether such episodes of and this increase in our data-set allows for a burning represent domestic accidents or aggres- greater insight into this period of Irish prehistory. sive acts is rarely clear. It is now becoming possible to examine the use of Figure 1 domestic space within these houses, for example, certain artefacts can represent a particular type of activity in parts of a building. Similarly, the delib- erate placing of portions of stone axe or broken pottery shards in the foundation trenches of structures can suggest ritual behaviour, while the examination of plant remains offers evidence of diet and agricultural practices. Archaeologists are beginning to think outside of the immediate space around such houses and are projecting the remains of these buildings into the wider Neolithic landscape. The role of such buildings within Neolithic communities was undoubtedly significant; vast effort was involved in construct- ing such timber buildings and they represent symbols of the ability of a community to alter the F i g u re 1 details the discovery of such landscape and to form domestic space. Neolithic houses in Ireland during the period The pattern of discovery for such Neolithic 1940 – 2001. This graph does not include the structures can be repeated for the excavation of various class of huts and shelters which have also Bronze Age houses, Early Medieval ring-fort set- been excavated over the same period. The tlements or medieval rural settlements, where Neolithic house structures discovered during the i n c reased economic activity has pro m p t e d 1940s represent the work of Professor SP Ó unprecedented levels of archaeological excava- Ríordáin at the prehistoric settlement complex of tion and fieldwork. While this provides opportu- Lough Gur, Co Limerick; similarly the work dur- nities for employment and new discoveries, it also ing the 1960s and 1970s largely represents the places strain on the profession to pro p e r l y campaigns of excavations in Co Meath at the pas- resource such work and on the State regulatory sage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth in the bodies to oversee this activity. The challenge also Boyne valley. Both decades also saw discoveries exists for the archaeological profession to digest during research excavations at Slieve Breagh, Co and interpret such data, to publish it, and to Meath; Ballynagilly, Co Tyrone; and at Ballyglass, make sure that the increase in our knowledge is Co Mayo. During the 1980s, additional struc- used effectively. Such effective use of recently tures were uncovered outside of the Lough Gur acquired data requires that it be used to inform and Boyne Valley areas, frequently during the the archaeological profession, and that the signif- construction of gas pipelines. One particularly icance of this work be communicated more wide- marked trend has been the discovery of Neolithic ly to the general public. This perhaps is the great- structures during the so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ years est challenge of all. as part of predevelopment archaeological investi- gations. During the years 1996 – 2001 some 17 Ian Doyle, Archaeology Officer, Neolithic houses were uncovered across Ireland, The Heritage Council in counties Kerry, Antrim (2), Derry, Kildare (6), Louth (3), Mayo, Meath, and Dublin.

17 Fr eedom To Roam? Free access to the countryside is a contentious issue. Eleanor Flegg considers each side in the debate

rish law is clear on the subject of access – if a ‘permissive path’ which may be revoked by the you want to cross privately owned land, you landowner at any time. Although rights of way Imust have the permission of the landowner. do exist in Ireland, the network is limited and It is not the case that you can walk anywhere the development of a network of walking routes you want. That walkers have, until recently, has depended largely on agreement between the been widely tolerated is testimony to the easy- organisers and individual landowners. Due to going nature of most landowners, and to the the fragmented nature of landownership, it can fact that the relatively small number of walkers be no small undertaking to trace landowners caused little disruption to farming activities. and find out if they are willing to allow a walk- In Ireland, the vast majority of land is pri- ing route to cross their land. A three-kilometre vately owned, and most of it is farmed. As with section of a recent projected route crossed land the fox hunting issue in the UK, access has owned by 29 families, each of them with a story become the focus of a division between urban to tell. Some lived in Australia, some in the UK, and rural society, and elements of the farming some people didn’t know that they owned the community restrict access to walkers as a way of land, and in some cases the owner couldn’t be demonstrating their frustration. The dramatic identified. polarisation of the issue at ground level has much to do with dissatisfaction with current The ownership of land is particularly agricultural policy. Although agriculture remains dear to the Irish psyche the lifeblood of rural society, an industry that makes a far greater contribution than can be measured in terms of production, it is currently It is important to clarify that access to an industry that feels semi-redundant, manipu- uplands is a separate matter from that of estab- lated, and cross. lished walking routes or waymarked ways, which The ownership of land is particularly dear are low level, and carry relatively large numbers to the Irish psyche and we have a tendency to of walkers on signed routes previously agreed identify ourselves in terms of it. When walkers with the landowners. These two issues are often tramp across the family farm, many farmers feel run together in the media and can be confused. that their ownership rights are being called into Upland walkers are small in number and operate question. Fears that allowing access to walkers independently, their activities are concentrated will create rights of way over property are in mountainous areas, and they require routes unfounded. A waymarked way cannot cross pri- by which they can find a way up to the hills. This vate land without the permission of the often involves crossing farmland. Farmers’ con- landowner and establishes not a right of way but cerns about the insurance implications of allow-

18 ing walkers to access upland areas through their actually availed of this widely misunderstood land are understandable. The Occupiers measure, and it has had more impact in aboli- Liability Act (1995), so carefully negotiated by tion than it ever did when it was available. the farming sector, is being tested in the courts The walking community too is sharply following the Rossenalagh ruling last summer. A divided: militant elements such as Keep Ireland woman who was injured after a fall from a sce- Open (KIO) actively campaign for a legislative nic roadside embankment took a case against solution amounting to freedom to roam. In fact, the landowners, the Franciscan Order, and was the much quoted ‘freedom to roam’ in Scotland awarded damages when they were found liable. is a traditional privilege rather than a legal right, The case, which sets a dangerous precedent with a de facto resumption of a historic arrangement alarming consequences for all landowners, is interrupted by the sheep farming estates of the under appeal to the Supreme Court and is 18th and 19th centuries. Similarly in Sweden, expected to be heard later this year. Until then, freedom to roam relies on tradition rather than landowners have to continue to take ‘due care’ law. Other countries, such as Norway, Denmark, of any visitors on their land, but it is not clear Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, do give how far they are liable. some legal protection, while in England and The liability situation re g a rding way- Wales the Countryside and Rights of Way Act marked ways is different. As part of the develop- 2000 (CROW) allows the public to walk freely ment of the route, an insurance policy is put in on open country and registered common land place whereby the landowner or occupier is shown on new official maps. There is no indemnified against all claims by walkers of the European norm for access issues, which are route, even if they stray from it. The route is resolved individually, based on the landowner- insured, developed, and maintained by the route ship traditions of each country. promoter, usually the local authority or local More moderate Irish organisations such as development agency. To date, no case has been the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI), taken on a walking route recognized by the the National Waymarked Way Advisory National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee Committee of the Irish Sports Council (NWWAC). (NWWAC), and the Heritage Council believe The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) main- that access routes across farmland must be nego- tains that farmers have the right to determine tiated in partnership with landowners and the whether or not people have access to their lands, f a rming sector. There is general agre e m e n t and that, if access is granted, there should be among these groups that landowners should be some form of remuneration for farmers whose paid to maintain access routes across their lands, lands are used for recreational purposes. The but that direct payment for access would be abolition of the access measure in the first Rural problematic to administer. There is also a strong Environment Protection Scheme (REPS1) has interest in this issue from the tourism sector – been interpreted as establishing a precedent of walking has been described as the silent per- payment for access, whereas in actual fact it former in Irish tourism and there are fears that merely compensated farmers for the improve- ongoing disruption may discourage tourists. ment of facilities on their land. Few farmers There have been rumblings that hill-walking

19 holidays to Ireland may be on the decline at a THE HERITAGE COUNCIL time when Irish tourism can least afford it. • has promoted and facilitated countryside recreation since COMHAIRLE NA TUAITHE its establishment in 1995 In response to calls for a govern m e n t - l e d • believes that countryside access and recreation offers peo- Countryside Recreation Council, Comhairle na ple a way to enjoy, appreciate, and encounter many aspects of heritage, including landscape, wildlife, habitats, Tuaithe was established in January 2004 by archaeology, and architecture Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural • sees the farming community as key to maintaining the and Gaeltacht Affairs. The current main aim of fabric of our rural areas, environmentally, socially and cul- Comhairle na Tuaithe is to address issues relat- turally ing to waymarked ways and access to land, and • believes that users of walking routes may need to be made its creation follows the publication of the report more aware of the requirements of farming and how to of the Consultation Group on Access to behave in the countryside Waymarked Ways. This council, which includes • recognizes that farmers should receive payment where representatives from such disparate bodies as they maintain routes that cross their land, on condition Coillte, Cork Kerry Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, that these routes are in accordance with the agreed stan- The Heritage Council, ICMSA, IFA, Irish dards of the NWWAC in terms of path condition and Sports Council, Irish Uplands Forum, Keep information supplied Ireland Open, The Mountaineering Council of • believes that walking routes can also make a significant Ireland, and Walking Cycling Ireland, will con- contribution to a balanced healthy lifestyle and that fund- sider this important matter with respect to all ing for preventative health care through promotion of countryside recreation activities and all who are access to the countryside should be investigated in the affected by these activities. The new council will long term also include governmental and environmental GOOD PRACTICE FOR WALKERS representatives, should the Minister accept all of • Keep the number of cars used to the minimum; consider its recommendations. The Minister also hiring a bus for group outings announced that he intends to make provision • Park safely, with particular regard to allowing for entry to for maintenance of waymarked or approved property. Many access problems have arisen from incon- locally agreed walks to be included as rural serv- siderate parking by recreational visitors. Remember that ices for the purpose of the new Rural Social farmers work at weekends and that a tractor with a trailer Scheme. If this comes to fruition, it may form attached needs a wide space to turn into a field or gateway an acceptable replacement for the access meas- • All land is owned by somebody and we use that land with ure in REPS1. the goodwill of the owner, not with a legal right • Avoid aggravating known problems, use approved routes the much quoted ‘freedom to roam’ in in these areas • Be friendly and courteous to landowners and local Scotland is a traditional privilege rather residents than a legal right • Respect private pro p e rty and do not interf e re with machinery, crops or animals • Make no unnecessary noise, especially when passing The establishment of Comhairle na houses Tuaithe is good news for both the farming and • Be careful not to damage fences, walls or hedges - these the walking community, and it remains that the are livestock boundaries and expensive to repair battle between walkers and farmers is not uni- • Use stiles and gates where they exist, leave gates as you versal and many walks continue to work well at find them (open or closed) g round level. The success of the Wi c k l o w • Leave no litter behind; even biodegradable items like Uplands Council, for example, lies in that it rep- banana skins and tea bags take years to disappear resents the interests of all parties: farming, • For environmental and safety reasons, keep group num- landowning, community, environmental, recre- bers small. Ideally group size should be less than 10 peo- ational, economic, and tourism; and takes a ple and should never exceed 15. partnership approach to sustainable develop- • Avoid taking dogs on the hills at any time ment. There are many other instances around • Walk on rock, stones, or the most durable surface avail- the country of walks that work well, and it may able, rather than on vegetation or soft ground be that there is no sweeping national solution to • Avoid using eroded paths the impasse. Whereas the introduction of a pay- • Avoid taking short cuts on zigzag paths as this creates new ment for farmers who maintain access routes is lines for run-off of water and increases erosion called for, some will see an advantage in allow- • The building of cairns detracts from the wild character of ing walkers to cross their land, and some will the hills; new cairns can mislead other walkers not. In all probability, the solution will remain • Have respect for all natural things and take care not to disturb plants, birds, and animals local and piecemeal and will depend on how well the situation is handled at ground level by A recent ‘Walk Safely’ information leaflet produced by the MCI the individuals involved. and NWWAC giving advice to all walkers in the Irish countryside is available from the Heritage Council and the MCI. See 20 www.mountaineering.ie and www.heritagecouncil.ie Heritage in Schools Heritage Specialist Conor Kelleher describes his experience of teaching schoolchildren about Ireland’s bats

Leisler’s bat, Nyctalus leisleri, is just one of the Irish species to inspire budding young conserva- tionists. Copyright Phil Richardson he Heritage in Schools Scheme was one of queries and stories of their own encounters with those brilliant ideas that succeeded beyond these animals. One has to be on one's toes, how- Tall expectations. The project is a collabora- ever, as the children are so bright, throwing per- tion between the Heritage Council and the Irish tinent questions at the lecturer. Also, I've discov- National Teachers' Organsiation (INTO) and has ered, if the children are told of the visit in grown to include over 100 specialists on different advance, then one or more will read up on the aspects of our national heritage, from the envi- subject so as to be prepared with the most diffi- ronmental to historical, and archaeological to cult question they can muster! zoological. The lecture is repeated with other classes My own specialist area is the 'Chiroptera' or resulting in a half- or full-day visit. This scheme bats to the non-anorak! My visit to a school usu- opens the children's eyes to the wonders of nature, ally starts with a phonecall from a principal allowing them to receive first-hand knowledge enquiring if I can give a presentation to pupils on from someone who has enthusiasm for and experi- the ecology of these much maligned creatures. ence of these misunderstood animals. It allows me Provided that the school can provide a darkened to share my thoughts and, hopefully, sow the seeds room for an illustrated talk, the answer is always for future conservationists who will appreciate 'yes'. I supply all the equipment to allow the chil- their countryside and its creatures. To encourage dren to view a one-hour slideshow on bats, their f u rther study, activity For more details feeding and roosting habits, life histories, and the sheets for various bat on The Heritage benefits of these animals to their local environ- projects are provided to in Schools Scheme see ment. The children are usually extremely enthusi- teachers for follow-up The Heritage astic as they have never seen bats depicted in this l e s s o n s for all age Council website way. They are usually rapt as I explain, in easy-to- groups. Then, to the understand vocabulary, how we use bat detectors sound of the children to access their inaudible world, and the class lis- chanting ... "na, na, na, tens to sound recordings of bat calls and vocali- na, na, na, na, na, BAT- sations. MAN!", it's back to the The question and answer session that fol- batmobile and off to lows is often the highlight of the event for me as the next school. This the children outdo each other with insightful work is magic!

21 hint that the small chapel has some connection with Glendalough nearly 30 kilometres away. One Slí Chaoimhín wonders what the connections were with St Brigid not far away in the town of Kildare. Cooperation between a large number of Hillwalker Emer Ní Bhrádaigh describes her people in developing St Kevin’s Way, or Slí experience of St Kevin’s Way, the pilgrim path Chaoimhín is testament to the lasting value of the from Hollywood to Glendalough longstanding Irish tradition of a ‘meitheal’, or work party. Joss Lynam, recognized among many hile roaming the hills of Ireland I often mountaineers as the father of Irish mountaineer- wonder whether I’m the first person ing, and Peter Harbison, historian and archaeolo- Wever to walk on that particular patch of gist, are the authors of the Heritage Council’s ground. Invariably a scrap of paper or a plastic informative booklet and guide to this Way or Slí. bag reminds me that I am following in the foot- The Slí, and retracing the steps of St Kevin’s fol- steps of many others. The sense of connecting lowers, would not have been possible without the with a common culture and heritage hit me most cooperation and support of many other interested strongly when I walked part of the Camino de parties, such as Wicklow County Council, the Santiago de Compostella and mused on the thou- Irish Farmers Association, local landowners, and sands of Irish pilgrims who made the journey by members of various religions and religious orders. sea and on foot to Galicia on the northwest coast I had always been fascinated by the ‘site of

of Spain. However, these same pilgrims and plen- St Kevin’s Way’ marked on my hillwalking maps, ty of their compatriots no doubt followed the var- and wishing to engage more with the cultural her- ious pilgrim routes to holy places here in Ireland, itage as well as the natural environment of the places where people felt a particular connection Wicklow uplands, I eventually retraced part of the with nature, with a higher being, with their own Way, rather appropriately on Easter Saturday, the spiritual essence. Which came first – the nuns and day of reflection between Good Friday and Easter monks building their monasteries and abbeys, or Sunday. the special energy already known to locals? Why Any portion of the Slí can be walked. Those did people choose to walk along open moorland, wishing to have a short varied walk with children, through mountain passes, through damp, wet, encompassing the variety of bog, waterfall, boul- unforgiving bog, in all kinds of weather to reach ders, river and woods can easily arrange a lift to a places such as Gleann Dá Loch, where Caoimhín starting point around four or five kilometres up or Kevin had established a monastery in the sixth from Glendalough towards the Wicklow Gap. or seventh century? In addition to rediscovering M o re adventurous teenagers would prefer a our ancient spiritual and religious heritage, we are longer walk from the Gap, while those interested thankfully reclaiming our language and it’s often in the challenge of a long distance walk of just through the original Irish placenames that we over five hours could start in Cillín Chaoimhín, a begin to uncover the lost secrets of our past. full 26 kilometres away. There are many places to Hollywood in Co Wickow, near the Co Kildare park cars along the route, which is never more b o rder and on the road from Dublin to than one kilometre from the road. A car at both Baltinglass, is called Cillín Chaoimhín in Irish – a ends, or a lazy obliging friend can eliminate the

22 tions, wondering whether it was best to descend to the right or the left of the river. We took the challenge of leaving the path for a while and clam- bered down the boulders of a steep part of the Glendasan river, but could have easily stayed on the road. We encountered people out picnicking on what was one of the first sunny days of spring, while others stopped to enjoy the view before driving away again. How easy it would have been for them to leave the car for a few hours and join us on this well-marked trail - to perhaps absorb more of the environment, to stay awhile on a heathery slope listening to birds and spotting spring flowers. The most memorable part of the walk was the last stretch along the river, with the Chapel ruins gorse in full bloom perfectly reflected in the clear on St. Kevin’s calm water, trees overhead creating a sparkle of Way, Wicklow light filtering through the spring leaves. We need to retrace one’s steps. While this walk is near passed two retreat houses before rounding the the road, it is always important for walkers to be corner to the surprise of a cottage in the fore- prepared for the unexpected. A healthy distrust of ground surrounded by trees through which we weather forecasts and of clear morning skies could see the round tower, signalling the end of should lead people to always wear sturdy boots our walk and the reward of the first ice cream and enough clothes, carry a raincoat, and have cones of spring – a reminder that even pilgrims water and food. have earthly desires and weaknesses! As the highest point of St Kevin’s Way is at the Wicklow Gap at only 450 metres above sea Emer Ní Bhrádaigh is a lecturer in level, and as the path is never too far from the Entrepreneurship in DCU and a keen hillwalker. road, this is an ideal way for beginners to enjoy the Wicklow hills and really feel that they are on a For information on safe and environmentally sus- historical path, safely exploring the route and ter- tainable walking, see the Mountaineering Council rain over which thousands walked, in their devo- of Ireland website: www.mountaineering.ie tion to God and to St Kevin and to a simpler more spiritual way of life. They knew as they set Comprehensive map guides for Cosán na off from the starting point in Hollywood, long Naomh, Lough Derg and St Kevin’s Way are before the current 18th century chapel was built, available at www.heritagecouncil.ie that their long journey would be rewarded with the sight of the round tower of Glendalough as they emerged out of the valley of Glendasan into the valley of Glendalough. By the time they reached the Wicklow Gap, they knew they were more than half way, and for me I felt I was con- necting more than half way back to those pilgrims as I looked in amazement at the excavated paving stones of the original Pilgrim Road across the bog. It struck me that despite religious, cultural and political differences, each tradition – from E u ropeans on the Camino to Santiago de Compostella to the Incas on their way to Machu Pichu - has its own pilgrim route and holy place. Mankind leaves his mark on the surround- ing landscape, from the old mining buildings to the more modern ESB electricity generation plant, each making use of the local environment to build a better life, each finding his own way of crossing the bog. The route is well marked with small wooden markers with a yellow monk, pro- viding a constant reminder that monks and lay people alike walked the same route. We stopped for lunch at the ruin of an old house. Had pil- grims stopped at the same house to exchange greetings with the residents or to ask for direc-

23 A House in the Co u n t r y As the Government releases new guidelines on rural development, Planning Officer Stephen Rhys-Thomas explores the emotive issue of one-off housing

Much recent he Department of the Enviro n m e n t , tamination from septic tanks, the creation of traf- housing in the countryside is Heritage, and Local Government recently fic hazards, or visual obtrusiveness. These appeals inappropriately released a consultative draft policy docu- were based on public policy, and 90% were upheld designed and T by An Bord Pleanála. Just 6% of the total number visually obtru- ment – Sustainable Rural Housing Consultation sive. Currently, Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities – to of decisions to grant permission have been refused only 10–12% of on appeal. one-off rural provide guidelines in relation to one-off rural houses are housing. Essentially, the Government favours one- A considerable outcry has accompanied the designed by an off rural housing with accordance to good plan- recent projected change in policy; rural housing is architect. ning principles, such as traffic safety and ground- a contentious issue. People like to live in beautiful water protection. The new guidelines ensure that countryside, they often like to live close to their people who are part of, or linked to, the rural families or in the place that they grew up, and they community will get planning permission for hous- like to live in a house that has been built to suit es. These people, subject to eligibility as defined their requirements. It is also considerably cheaper by the local authority, include farmers and their to build than to buy, and the option of building children, people who work in rural areas, and on land that may already be in family ownership is those who have lived most of their lives there. In an attractive one. However, one-off rural housing rural areas suffering persistent and substantial has the potential to raise a number of issues. These population decline, anyone wishing to build a include: groundwater pollution from domestic house will be accommodated, subject to good septic tanks; increased traffic hazard due to new planning practice, even if they have no roots in the vehicle entrances; visually obtrusive and inappro- area. There are numerous conditions and excep- priately designed houses; habitat fragmentation tions to this rule; however, it is assumed that rural due to inappropriate planting and removal of housing will be permitted save for exceptional cir- existing habitats; social isolation due to dispersed cumstances described in the guidelines. The prem- housing patterns; unsustainable car dependency; a ise for this change of policy is to enliven a dying g reater burden on rural transport systems; a rural community base, and to ensure that the peo- stretching of resources with regard to social serv- ple who belong to a rural area or who need to live ices; and increased surface erosion caused by the there will be able to build houses. The Minister for increased use of minor roads. There are also fears the Environment, Martin Cullen, feels so strongly that people will build and sell on – it would seem about this that planning authorities are being an obvious way of making money. instructed to implement the new guidelines even The policy is also at variance with certain though they are still in draft form. aspects of the National Spatial Strategy, which This policy replaces a strategy published by seeks to accommodate housing needs within exist- the Government in 1997 to achieve sustainable ing settlements. The guidelines argue that Ireland development in Ireland, which contained a pre- has always had a rural and scattered settlement sumption against granting permission for urban- pattern. While this is true, historical patterns of generated housing in rural areas. Despite this, development are inextricably linked to the eco- one-off rural housing has thrived over the last nomic forces of the time; transport in the past was seven years, accounting for at least 36% of houses primarily by foot, and the economy was based built in Ireland each year. Local authorities have around agriculture and local production. We risk approved 85% of applications for one-off houses. recreating an anachronistic settlement pattern in a An Taisce has appealed approximately four out of world that has changed beyond imagining. An every 1,000 of these planning decisions, usually over-supply of one-off rural housing sites could on the grounds of the risk of groundwater con- make it less attractive to develop villages and 24 hedgerows for the sake of biodiversity. The need to protect the quality of our water is also a major consideration. One-off rural hous- ing depends on effluent treatment systems, in most cases septic tanks and percolation areas, and more frequently mechanically operated systems. If these are faulty or poorly maintained, the resultant run-off will cause ground and surface water pollu- tion. There is as yet no effective compliance or monitoring regime to ensure that domestic efflu- ent treatment systems do not pollute water and such a system is at present beyond the scope of p re s s u red rural authorities. Ire l a n d ’s water resource is currently among the best in the EU and must be maintained under the Wa t e r Framework Directive. The minister may yet insist on putting monitoring measures in place to ensure that effluent treatment systems do not pollute ground and surface water.

It is best to keep towns. As car dependency grows, people will tend We risk recreating an anachronistic settlement pattern the shape of the to use the services in the larger centres to which house very simple, in a world that has changed beyond imagining minimising model- they commute. At worst the countryside could ling of the front come to resemble a dispersed suburb from which façade, and incor- porating the sim- people travel by car to work, shops, and schools, Another problem is that much recent hous- plicity of older with worsening congestion at peak times, even on ing in rural locations is both inappro p r i a t e l y houses in the area. rural lanes. Even now, in many rural areas, the designed and visually obtrusive. The guidelines set roads carry so much traffic that it is no longer safe out standards for good design and encourage to walk to school or to the local shops. There is planning authorities to develop their own design concern that new vehicular entrances will cause guidelines, but these are accompanied by fears that traffic hazards on rural roads. Local authorities are planning authorities will either become a type of put in an impossible situation in this regard: they ‘style police’ or will zealously promote ‘traditional are instructed to remove hedgerows from the vernacular’ development at the expense of allow- entrances to one-off houses to improve visibility, ing innovative contemporary design. These fears and at the same time to protect and maintain may be unfounded. Cork County Council has

25 produced a very sensible book, Cork Rural Design Guide: Building a New House in the Countryside, bungalow nation by Colin Buchanan and Partners and Mike a poem by Trish Casey Shanahan and Associates, which offers many solu- tions to rural design issues. The advice is to keep What this country needs is another bungalow the shape of the house very simple, minimising with two white neo-classical PVC columns modelling of the front façade, and incorporating at the front door. the simplicity of older houses in the are a . (Go on will yeah, go on!) Recommending that an architect should be Four white neo-classical PVC columns engaged, the authors encourage concentrating on holdin’ up the open porch. proportion, scale, and form rather than detail as (Go on will yeah, go on!) ‘no amount of frills will compensate for a poten- Six white neo-classical PVC columns tially clumsy, awkward and unattractive structure’. stretchin’ the len’th o’ the concrete Currently, as it is considerably cheaper to manage Italianate veranda. without, only 10–12% of one-off rural houses are (Nnyaaa!) designed by an architect. The guide indicates that the new house should be located in the most shel- What this country needs is another bungalow tered part of the site, orientated to maximise day- with six white neo-classical PVC columns light and solar gain, and set back from the road with a secluded garden behind re t a i n e d stretchin’ the len’th o’ the concrete Italianate veranda hedgerows. The emphasis is on linking the struc- and a big white cast-concrete eagle on the front lawn. ture with the countryside around it, treating (Go on will yeah, go on!) house, garden, and landscape as a unit, and using Two big white cast-concrete eagles on the front lawn. indigenous plants. Although other county coun- (Nnyaaa!) cils have produced rural housing design guides, this is one of the best and is admirably clear on What this country needs is another bungalow what works in the countryside and what does not. with six white neo-classical PVC columns The consultative guidelines clearly set out stretchin’ the len’th o’ the concrete Italianate veranda the various elements of heritage and the need to and two big white cast-concrete eagles identify and protect it, with an emphasis on pre- on the front lawn planning discussions. It is accepted that local and two huge “feck off” pillars at the front gate. authorities should clearly map all areas of natural (Go on will yeah, go on!) and cultural heritage in order to inform policy Two huge “feck off” pillars at the front gate decisions in relation to rural housing. However, it covered with that black and white pebble dashin’ is widely believed that the systems that are cur- that looks like it came off a grave from rently in place to deal with heritage issues in rela- the local cemetery. tion to planning will not be able to cope with the (Nnyaaa!) extra workload. The Minister may consider addressing the staffing issues within the rural plan- What this country needs is another bungalow ning authorities, and it may be useful to have her- with six white neo-classical PVC columns itage expertise located within the local authority stretchin’ the len’th o’ the concrete Italianate veranda structure to speed up the consultation process. and two big white cast-concrete eagles The Heritage Council have developed a heritage on the front lawn appraisal methodology to be applied to develop- and two huge “feck off” pillars at the front gate ment plans which has proved successful in the past covered with that black and white pebble dashin’ in highlighting problems areas. It is envisaged that that looks like it came off a grave from the local the Heritage Council will continue to carry out cemetery this work as a third party neither connected to the local authority or the Government. and topped with two U l t i m a t e l y, the overall policy does not massive mad address the issue of sustainability in any meaning- ful way. The new guidelines have not addressed the roarin’ issue of improving the quality of our towns and vil- lages whilst promoting a rural lifestyle. To allow LIONS. one-off rural housing go unchecked may result in (Nnnyyaaa!) the decline of our smaller rural settlements and damage the sustainability and viability of rural Trish Casey is from Cobh in Co. Cork. communities in the present and in times to come. In April this year, Stephen Rhys-Thomas this poem won the Cúirt Literary Festival is Planning Officer with the Heritage Council Grand Slam in Galway.

26 GALLERY Daragh Muldowney

Daragh Muldowney exhibits his work under the title DÚLRA Photography, ‘dúlra’ meaning elements of nature. Daragh captures his subjects as they present themselves naturally, without the use of artificial light. He believes it’s the smaller detail in nature that we too readily overlook. All of Daragh’s images are signed limited editions. Available in native ash frame or blockmounted, Daragh creates pieces of art that can be commissioned to suit your home or business. Sizes range from 16” x 10” up to 6’ x 4’ prints. www.dulraphotography.com, email: [email protected]

Wicklow Ice “A small waterfall in the Wicklow mountains had frozen in January creating these beautiful icicles. I find it interesting to turn it upside-down so that people don’t reconize it immediately.”

Fractal Leaf A leaf shot from the underside with the light illuminating the leaf veins.

27 An End To The Open House? Dr Hugh Maguire discusses the decline in visitors to our historic homes

istoric house museums form a distinctive tencies, and contradictory demands, of tax-relief Designed by Scottish architect component in our cultural landscape. schemes, creating a climate in which house open- William Burn There are a growing number of historic ing is almost pointless, at least from a financial (1789-1870) and H situated in houses open to the public, so much so that there point of view. But the calls for houses to be Killarney National is now a crisis, acknowledged internationally if not opened continue. It was alluded to with Ballyfin, Park, Muckross Co Laois and was most pronounced over Lissadell House and here in Ireland. In the United States, there are Gardens are over 6,000 houses open to the public! And yet the House, Co Sligo. Ironically this, the one ‘grand among the most numbers visiting continue to decline, if not dra- house’ in the country for which there appeared to popular of Irish visitor attractions. matically, then incrementally, slowly but surely. be some groundswell of public support, even if Photograph cour- Houses with fine gardens are bucking this trend, based on a romantic interpretation of its past, was tesy of Muckross no doubt reflecting the current vogue for garden- not taken into public ownership. Self-appointed House. ing. Elsewhere, house museums are at their full interpreters of that past were swift to say the State capacity – notably the Georgian House, Bath, had no interest in purchasing the pro p e rt y. which with around 40,000 visitors per annum Perhaps the fact that it was popular was just too cannot accommodate any more. That the Ann unpalatable for some. Frank House Museum, Amsterdam, manages nearly one million visitors is something of a logis- visitors are no longer particularly in awe of tical nightmare, especially given the very purpose- fully cramped conditions of its ‘secret’ spaces. this being the home of so and so, even less so If anything, with a number of exceptions, given that the average visitor may have more Ireland presents the opposite problem – too few visitors. And yet, as Pat Cooke has addressed more ‘spondooligs’ than the historic house owner widely in his The Containment of Heritage(2002), there may already be too many properties here for There are many reasons for the decline in the limited market and limited resources. This is visitor numbers internationally. The sameness of p a rticularly pronounced with National Tru s t - experience in each house is high on the list of fac- owned houses in Northern Ireland, which are tors - ‘Seen one seen them all’. Only the trained effectively being subsidised by sister properties in and expert eye may derive some pleasure from the England. In the Republic of Ireland, slack visitor subtle changes between one early Neo-Palladian numbers are compounded by the demands of villa and another. How many portraits of ‘great- astounding insurance premiums and the inconsis- uncle Field Marshall Whatever’ can the visitor

28 take? The quality of visitor experience and expec- interiors presented in this way would frighten the tation has also shifted from the initial wave of visitor away. house openings in the 1950s and 1960s. Visitors The debate in Ireland, and it is a limited want to be engaged with rather than spoken at. debate, has tended to focus on historic houses Shifts in social perception and the demise of only in reference to grand country-seats, the ubiq- defence means that visitors are no longer particu- uitous ‘big house’, the focus of much architectur- larly in awe of this being the home of so and so, al history and a surfeit of literary effort. Here the even less so given that the average visitor may have focus has been on the maintenance of the building more ‘spondooligs’ than the historic house owner. fabric and occasionally the historic collection, For parents with children in tow, the roped off without any long-term, realistic, and sustainable dining room display, with precious family heir- strategy. There is virtually no consideration of the loom porcelain so tantalisingly touchable, can presentation of these houses as ‘museums’. Nor is prove more stressful than relaxing. The failure, or there acknowledgement of the diversity of historic inability, of houses to engage with contemporary house museums, which indeed includes Pearse’s museum practice and pedagogy can also hasten Cottage near Rosmuc, Michael Dwyer’s cottage in the departure of paying visitors. And herein lie Wicklow and the Pearse town house in Pearse dilemmas for the curator or house owner. Street, Dublin, among others. If reflecting diverse It may be taken as given that the average vis- and indeed contradictory political traditions and itor prefers to come upon various historic rooms cultures, their concerns are indeed comparable presented as though the family have momentarily and need to be addressed as such. moved out. At the same time, the average visitor has come to expect a wide, and sometimes daz- Staircases designed for the pitter-patter of zling, array of touch-screens, narrative panels and so forth. Clearly their placement in a fine historic satin bootees are not equipped for the moun- room, or in the access rooms of what otherwise tain boots of the rucksacked visitor may be a family home is disruptive and inappro- priate. If there are no suitable outbuildings conve- Acknowledging the shared concerns for his- niently placed, then the contradictory problems toric house museums, the Paris-based cannot be reconciled. These problems are even International Council of Museums (ICOM) estab- more pronounced at historic house museums in lished an international committee for Historic towns and cities. There is no additional space. And House Museums (DEMHIST) in 1999. what space may be available in a basement or attic DEMHIST now has a global membership ranging is either cramped and dingy or completely incom- from former royal palaces in Berlin to the homes patible with contemporary health and safety regu- of revolutionaries in Bolivia. It exists as a forum lations. for dialogue between those with comparable con- Visitor expectations and conservation best cerns, and an ongoing series of international con- practice are also incompatible. We expect our ferences has highlighted the shared nature of these rooms to be light-filled, warm and airy. And yet challenges. With the support of the Heritage such conditions may destroy the actual objects and Council and the ESB, a one-day seminar was host- contents upon which we gaze. Staircases designed ed last summer at No 29 Fitzwilliam Street, for the pitter-patter of satin bootees are not Dublin. On a practical level, such meetings equipped for the mountain boots of the ruck- encourage dialogue even if solutions are not sacked visitor. Heavy, expensive fabrics designed always readily forthcoming. The next internation- to be appreciated by the delicate light of evening al conference will be in Berlin, from September candles cannot withstand the sunlight glare of 2nd to 4th, 2004. unshuttered windows. Occasionally it may be pos- Dr Hugh Maguire sible to present such a darkened room as part of is Secretary/Treasurer of DEMHIST the visitor’s experience as is currently done at Email: [email protected] Muckross House, Killarney, but a whole series of

The Back Drawing Some windows in Room at No 29, Muckross House Lower Fitzwilliam are shuttered, Street, Dublin. recreating the soft Over 25,000 visi- lighting the origi- tors enjoy this fully nal occupants restored Georgian would have been House each year. used to, but most It provides an importantly help- exhibition of mid- ing to protect the dle class home life contents from in Dublin circa decay. Photograph 1790-1820. courtesy of Photograph cour- Muckross House. tesy of the Electricity Supply Board.

29 “BOOKS ”

Irish Birds Exploring the Burren The Irish Mackerel Fisher y By David Cabot The Irish Treasures Series and the making of an Industry Browsing amongst the natural history sec- By George Cunningham By John Molloy tions of bookshops and libraries, one will Exploring the Burren is a 48-page concise John Molloy, Ireland’s leading expert on find various encyclopaedic publications of introduction to this well-known area. Due mackerel and herring fisheries has recently flora and fauna of Britain and Europe. But to size limitations, this can only be an intro- published The Irish mackerel fishery and the how will I know if that ‘bird of prey’ I spot- duction, but the author does a very good job making of an industry – a 245-page history ted over the moorlands was a buzzard, a of covering such a huge subject. Sections of one of Ireland’s most profitable fisheries. kite, an osprey or even an eagle? Do these include the cultural landscape: Prehistory, The book features a wealth of anecdotes, birds exist in Ireland? For anyone with a Archaeology; the Bronze Age, Iron Age, historical facts and figures, and is lavishly leaning towards nature who seeks to learn Christian and Medieval Times; and the nat- illustrated in full colour. Published by the more about Ireland’s birdlife, David Cabot’s ural history of the Burren, including Marine Institute and the Killybegs Irish Birds will be a welcome find. This Geology, Turloughs, Flora and Fauna. Fishermens’ Organisation, all proceeds from attractive and well-illustrated, compact hard- One of the questions I had of this guide was the book will go to two Killybegs charities – back describes and illustrates 167 of the what area the ‘Burren’ actually covers. I was The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and most frequently occurring birds in Ireland. glad to see the author had attempted to the Killybegs Community Hospital. Easy to read, with non-technical text, this answer this question on the first page: “the Molloy’s book covers four main areas: the publication is accessible to all ages and lev- Burren is delineated only by one’s percep- biology of mackerel; the development of the els of interest and may be used as a reference tion of what it is, and to the botanist that is mackerel fishery in Ireland; Irish scientific source for the primary school nature essay as limestone country... the Burren uplands investigations over the years; and finally, the well as travelling in the backpack or car glove extends over 360 square kilometres with at methods by which stocks are assessed and compartment of the aspiring birdwatcher. least another 200 square kilometres covering advice is given each year. The book describes birds according to their a variety of landforms.” The text is quite- The first three sections will be of interest to most likely habitat and includes six colour- rightly illustrated with lots of images, allow- all those involved with the industry; the sci- coded sections: Gardens, Parks and ing limited space for content on each sec- entist author has managed to look at the Buildings, Farmland and Hedgerow (includ- tion, and leaving the reader with a hunger fishery from a personal viewpoint. The his- ing intensive and extensive farm i n g ) , for more, and this must ultimately be the tory and the development of the Irish mack- Woodland and Scrubland, Moorland and aim of any good guide book. I found the erel fishery is really fascinating, even to the Upland, Freshwater and Coastal are a s most interesting section was that on the reader with no connections with the indus- (including rocky coasts and soft shores). Burren ‘Underground’. I learned that, to try. Today, the mackerel fishery is perhaps Each habitat section is introduced with illus- date, over 50km of underground caves - the the single most important entity of the Irish trative photography and interesting com- active river systems of the area - have been fishing industry – both in terms of value and mentary on the distribution, condition and charted. These active systems, with awesome quantity of fish landed. Molloy provides a usage of that habitat. Species descriptions swallow-holes and sink-holes, consume the summary of the current state of the stock include physical characteristics, with useful 1500mm of annual rainfall that this area and its likely development in the immediate tips on distinguishing commonly misidenti- receives (as compared with 700mm in the future. fied species, such as the cormorant and shag. east of Ireland), and can only be explored by Bird names are also listed in Irish along with experienced speleologists. Most visitors The last section, on international scientific the common and Latin versions, which adds would see the Burren as a dry stoney land, assessments, highlights the many problems to the national interest of this book. Other but it’s intriguing to think of this complex that beset fish stock assessments – problems interesting features are the details included water system running underground, below in dealing with catch statistics, poor biologi- on Ireland’s endangered species, such as the the clints and grykes that have made this cal data, and changes in migrations. Perhaps corncrake, with census figures from core landscape famous. after they read this book, managers will areas. The book encourages further develop- understand how difficult these assessments Exploring the Burren is part of the Irish ment of identification skills with descriptions can be! The author expresses the hope that Treasures Series, published by Townhouse. of bird groups and a section on factors such people involved in the mackerel industry will Other books in this series include: Walled as plumage marks and bill shape. find this book interesting because “in the Towns in Ireland; Crannogs; Irish Round end it is they who have the responsibility of Having whetted the interest of the develop- Towers; Irish Shrines & Reliquaries of the utilising this resource to provide a livelihood ing naturalist, the book satisfies furt h e r Middle Ages; Stone Circles in Ireland; Early for communities that may not have very curiosity on where to observe birds with a Celtic Art in Ireland; Irish Archaeology from many alternatives”. ‘Places to visit’ section detailing 74 of the the Air; and Irish High Crosses.There are best birdwatching sites in Ireland. Useful over 20 of these titles, making the Irish The Irish Mackerel Fishery and the making of information on birding websites, conserva- Treasures Series a great addition to any an Industr y is available from the Marine tion organisations and other bird publica- library, and a great resource for schools, Institute and the Killybegs Fisherm e n ’s tions is also provided. Irish Birds is great tourist centres, and libraries. Organisation. value and should be added to any natural Û Reviewed by Juanita Browne Price 25.99 (including p&p). history librar y. Published by TownHouse Please send a cheque, made payable to the Reviewed by Bernadette Guest, Heritage Marine Institute, to: Fisheries Science Services, Officer, Westmeath County Council ISBN 0946172595 Marine Institute, Galway Technology Park, Published by Collins 2004 Exploring the Burren, Price Û7.55 Parkmore, Galway. Or send a cheque, made payable to the Killybegs Fisherm e n s ’ ISBN 0 00 717610 4 Price Û18.99 The Irish Tre a s u res Series is available t h rough bookshops and online at O rganisation, to: Bruach na Mara, St www.townhouse.ie Catherine’s Road, Killybegs, Co Donegal. 30 Crossword No. 2 (compiled by Nóinín) To win a book voucher worth Û50, please send your completed grid to: HERITAGE OUTLOOK Crossword Competition, Attention: Isabell The Heritage Council, Rothe House, Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny. Closing date: Sept. 30th 2004 Congratulations to Mick O'Connell from Killarney who sent in the winning entry for our last crossword competition.

Answers to Crossword no. 1, ACROSS Heritage Outlook Winter 2003: 1. Permanent structure providing protection (8) Across: 1. schedule; 5. O’Casey; 9. 5. Serviceable and efficient (6) heritage; 10. grants; 12. mail; 13. 9. Relating to riverbanks (8) Antarctica; 15. opus; 17. heather; 20. 10. Native freshwater fish under threat in some of our lakes; Shannon; 22. pier; 25. emigration; sounds like it could give you hay-fever! (6) 26. Tara; 28. gramme; 29. verified; 12. Much, much too much! (9) 30. basics; 31. sturgeon 13. Cuts down these stretches of moorlands (5) 14. Eager and expectant (4) Down: 1. scheme; 2. Harris; 3. duty; 16. These paths are so-called because they follow the medieval routes 4. legends; 6. corncrake; 7. sunlight; of sacrifice and devotion (7) 8. yes; 11. Rath; 14. acre; 16. 19. Did Il Duce eat or give intellectual or moral instruction (7) panoramic; 18. isle; 19. habitats; 21. 21. Is it a seafish, male voice or instrument (4) NATO; 22. protect; 23. famine; 24. 24. Type of fissure found in the 1 Down (5) Gandon; 27. Birr; 28. gab 25. We saw energy expended for pleasure on these shared-use routes (9) 27. Prescribed order of performing rites (6) 28. Flora and fauna are protected by this Act (8) 29. Planetary bodies – can we have the best of both? (6) Letters 30. Areas of marsh, fen, turlough or bog (8)

DOWN TO THE 1. The ****** - ‘limestone desert’ – home to Lusitanian plants and many dolmens (6) Editor 2. The ‘I’ in EIS (6) 3. Did these short daggers belong to Mr Bogarde? (5) The editor welcomes 4. If you can engrain something, you’re getting close (7) your letters. Please send 6. Always to be expected in January and February (9) submissions to: 7. Study of traditional beliefs and stories (8) The Editor, 8. Leo’s omen is so solitary and forlorn (8) Heritage Outlook, 11. Tower or stronghold to retain (4) The Heritage Council, 15. Place containing ancestral remains (9) Kilkenny. 17. 15% of our native broadleafs are found in this network (8) 18. More old-fashioned (8) Or email 20. Therefore (4) [email protected] 21. Type of cells or clochans scattered along West coast (7) Your comments and feedback 22. Community of people of mainly common descent (6) or most welcome, please 23. Tiny rocky pieces of land surrounded by water (6) include contact details. 26. Donal is situated at a joint! (5)

31 Notice Board JUNE life of rock pools to birds and landscapes. Fee: JULY 16-18 Û195. For more details see www.birdwatchire- IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - WEEKEND JUNE-JULY land.ie, email: [email protected] or Tel. WHALE WATCHING COURSE on Cape Clear Island, IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - ‘WHALE 01-2819878 Co Cork. Contact Pádraig Whooley, Tel. 023- EXHIBITION’ at ENFO, 17 St Andrew St, Dublin 2. 31911, email: [email protected] Dates TBC. For details, contact ENFO Tel. 1890- JUNE 24 200191 or see www.enfo.ie WEXFORD WILDFOWL RESERVE LECTURE - ‘A JULY 31 Taste of Antarctica’ Christopher Wilson 'NPWS, IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER JUNE 3 8pm. For more information please contact WORK DAYS provide an opportunity for members WEXFORD WILDFOWL RESERVE - LADY’S Christopher Wilson at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, to learn about the methods used at ISSA. Compost ISLAND LAKE WILDLIFE WALK 7.30pm ‘Life on Tel. 053-23129 or email:[email protected] turning. An opportunity to learn how to make com- the Lake’ by David Daly, Artist and Warden at the post using biodynamic preparations. 5/6 people Tern Colony. For more information please contact JUNE 26 per day. (If anyone is interested in volunteering on Christopher Wilson at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, IRISH GEORGIAN SOCIETY (Ireland’s Architectural a week day on a regular basis, we’ll be delighted to Heritage Society) - In the Footsteps of Edward Tel. 053-23129 or email:[email protected] hear from you.) To book please call the ISSA, Tel. Martyn and the Celtic Revival - Day Tour to 061 921866. www.irishseedsavers.ie JUNE 10 Galway, visiting Loughrea Cathedral, Tulira Castle, WEXFORD WILDFOWL RESERVE LECTURE - The and Kiltartan Museum. Coach from Merrion Living Sandcastle’ by Jason Monaghan, National Square, Dublin. For more details, contact the IGS AUGUST Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), 8pm. For office, Tel. 01-6767053, email: [email protected] AUGUST 1 more information please contact Christopher JUNE 27 WHALE WATCH IRELAND 2004 - NATIONAL Wilson at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Tel. 053- IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION - POTATO WHALE WATCH DAY. Guided watches on 10 head- 23129 or email:[email protected] DAY. Tom Maher, the director of the Teagasc pota- lands across the four provinces. Full details of JUNE 11–13 to advisory programme will be giving two talks at locations and local contacts are available on Irish WORLD OCEANS FESTIVAL - The Beach, Tramore, 11am and 2pm, followed by garden tours Whale and Dolphin Group website, www.iwdg.ie Co Waterford. In association with T-Bay Surf and focussing on the potato crops. There will be tast- AUGUST 7 Wildlife Centre, the Irish Wildlife Trust and the ings of the first early varieties grown at ISSA. IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING Content will include: traditional potato varieties - Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. A weekend of COURSE - WILLOW WEAVING Trainer Peter beach events (talks, walks, and water sports). their origin, introduction to Ireland and their role in Sheahan will cover all the basic skills and each IWDG talks and dolphin rescue exercises on the great famine; the origin of the blight fungus participant will make a small basket. Maximum Saturday, June 12th. The planned events include and the efforts to find a cure after the famine; the course size: 8. Cost Û70 including materials. ecological/environmental displays, guided walks arrival of bluestone and modern sprays; and plant- Location: Seed Saver premises, Capparoe, Scariff, and presentations. A surfing competition (Ireland ing traditional varieties in your garden and reaping Co. Clare. 10am–4.30pm. To book please call the vs Wales), kite-surfing display, beach volleyball, the rewards. Numbers limited to 20 people per ISSA, Tel. 061 921866. www.irishseedsavers.ie beach art, plus lots more. All events are free of talk. Please call the ISSA on 061-921 866 and charge, everyone is welcome. Want to help? book a place. Û10 per person. AUGUST 13-15 Would you like to help plan this event, or help out www.irishseedsavers.ie IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - WEEKEND WHALE WATCHING COURSE on Cape Clear Island, on one of the days? If so, please contact Marie JUNE 28-JULY 4 Power, IWT, Tel. 051-386329 or email Co Cork. Contact Pádraig Whooley, Tel. 023- IRISH GEORGIAN SOCIETY - TOUR TO 31911, email: [email protected] [email protected] NORMANDY Based in Dieppe, the Society will JUNE 17 visit a cross section of the historic houses and WEXFORD WILDFOWL RESERVE LECTURE - ‘Bird gardens of Normandy, including some privately Ringing in Ireland’ by Alyn Walsh, NPWS, 8pm. owned properties. For more details, contact the For more information please contact Christopher IGS office, Tel. 01-6767053, email: [email protected] Wilson at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Tel. 053- 23129 or email:[email protected] JULY JUNE 18-20 JULY 3 IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - Weekend IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - ISCOPE, Whale Watching Course on Tory Island, Co cetacean workshop, Scattery Island Centre, Donegal. Contact Simon Berrow, Tel. 086- Kilrush, Co Clare. Full-day, covering whale watch- 8545450, email: [email protected] ing field skills, recording and Identification. AUGUST 21 Contact Simon Berrow, Tel. 086-8545450, email: IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING [email protected] COURSE - CREATING AN ORCHARD An introduc- tory course covering siting an orchard, choosing JULY 4 the best varieties for growing conditions, planting IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION - Garden and trees, disease/pest prevention, pruning and gener- orchard guided tours will take place at ISSA’S al maintenance. Tour of Seed Savers orchards. Capparoe site at 2pm and 3.30 pm on July 4th, Maximum course size: 15. Cost Û60. Location: August 1st, September 5th, and October 3rd. To Seed Saver premises, Capparoe, Scariff, Co. Clare. book please call the ISSA, Tel. 061 921866. Cost 10am–4.30pm. To book please call the ISSA, Tel. Û5. www.irishseedsavers.ie 061 921866. www.irishseedsavers.ie JULY 10 AUGUST 22-27 JULY 18-23 IRISH GEORGIAN SOCIETY - DAY TOUR TO SEABIRDS AND MIGRATION - A Birdwatch Ireland WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE - A Birdwatch CASHEL, visiting Cashel Cathedral and Bolton course at Cape Clear, by Dick Coombes. August is Ireland course at Cape Clear, by renowned wildlife Library, Castle Leake and the gardens ot Camas a stunning time on Cape with the opportunity to photographer Eddie Dunne. Cape Clear promises a Park and Cashel Palace. Coach from Merrion witness some of the huge migratory movements range of topics for your lens ranging from ‘macro’ Square, Dublin. For more details, contact the IGS of seabirds - Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, subjects such as lichens, mosses, flowers and the office, Tel. 01-6767053, email: [email protected] Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets, and auks - off our 32 Notice Board south-western seaboard. The course will include a Plan 2004-2008. Over 20 primary schools es, Capparoe, Scariff, Co. Clare. 10am–4.30pm. To variety of topics ranging from identification tech- throughout the county are involved in the project. book please call the ISSA, Tel. 061 921866. niques for birds in the hand and in flight, to survey The students receive training, lectures, workshops www.irishseedsavers.ie and counting methodologies, the work of the and fieldtrips on their chosen heritage topic, and observatory, and the effect of weather on birds produce DVDs using modern media technology. SEPTEMBER 18/25 and migration. Fee Û195. An exhibition of this work, including DVDs, will be IRISH PEATLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL EDU- For more details see www.birdwatchireland.ie, on display in Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, CATIONAL COURSE ON BOGS for teachers at the email: [email protected] or Tel. 01-2819878 Galway from the 6th-17th. For more information, Wicklow Mountains National Park, working out of contact Galway’s Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion, Glendalough. Field trip and ecology studies on AUGUST 23-27 Tel. 091-509198, email: [email protected] blanket bog. 10am to 3.30pm. Contact Catherine IRISH PEATLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL BOG O'Connell, Tel. 045-860133. www.ipcc.ie WEEK Course for Primary School Teachers. Bog of SEPTEMBER 8-11 Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co IRELAND’S NATIVE WOODLAND CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 24-26 Kildare. Includes peatland ecology, cutaway bogs, Venue: Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - ‘WHALE composting, and wildlife gardening. Contact Galway City. Contact Cara Doyle, Project CONFERENCE’, Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, Co Catherine O'Connell, Tel. 045-860133. www.ipcc.ie Coordinator at Woodlands of Ireland, Tel. 01- Cork. Booking and enquiries to Frances 2849329, email: [email protected] Bermingham, Tel. 087-2388433, email: AUGUST 28 [email protected] IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING SEPTEMBER 8-16 COURSE - RUSH WEAVING Trainer Marian White GEOLOGICAL EXHIBITION in Áras an Chontae, will cover basic skills including harvesting and Prospect Hill, Galway. For more information, con- OCTOBER preparation, and each participant will make a small tact Galway’s Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion, Tel. OCTOBER 2-10 article of their choice. Maximum course size: 8 091-509198, email: [email protected] Cost Û70 including materials. Location: Seed IRISH PEATLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL - Saver premises, Capparoe, Scariff, Co. Clare. SEPTEMBER 8 NATIONAL COMPOSTING WEEK IPCC will be run- 10am–4.30pm. To book please call the ISSA, Tel. GEOLOGY LECTURE AND INFORMATION EVENING ning a series of DIY composting workshops 061 921866. www.irishseedsavers.ie 'Understanding and appreciating the geological around the country. For details, contact Caroline heritage of Connemara: Galway County Heritage Hurley, Tel 045-860133. www.ipcc.ie Plan Initiative'. Venue: Peacock's Hotel, Maam SEPTEMBER Cross, Co Galway. Admission is free. For more SEPTEMBER 3-20 information, contact Galway’s Heritage Officer, EXHIBITION ON ‘ATLAS OF THE IRISH RURAL Marie Mannion, Tel. 091-509198, LANDSCAPE’ - Arts Centre, Mullingar and Athlone email: [email protected] Castle. For more details, contact Westmeath SEPTEMBER 9 Heritage Officer, Bernie Guest, Tel. 044-32077, GALWAY COUNTY HERITAGE AWARDS. Venue to email: [email protected] be confirmed. For details, contact Galway’s SEPTEMBER 5-12 HERITAGE WEEK Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion, Tel. 091-509198, email: [email protected] SEPTEMBER 9 ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN MULLINGAR, Lecture by Ronan Swan, Project Archaeologist, Westmeath Co Council. Arts Centre, Mullingar 7.30 pm. For more details, contact Westmeath Heritage Officer, Bernie Guest, Tel. 044-32077, email: [email protected] OCTOBER 9 SEPTEMBER 10-12 IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP - WEEKEND COURSE - ORGANIC GARDENING A series of three WHALE WATCHING COURSE on Cape Clear Island, workshops divulging the secrets of growing Co Cork. Contact Pádraig Whooley, Tel. 023- healthy vegetables, fruit and herbs. All workshops SEPTEMBER 5-12 31911, email: [email protected] will include theory and practical work, slide shows, IRISH PEATLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 12 discussions and question/answer sessions. Day 1: HERITAGE WEEK EVENTS: Bog Walk at Fenor Bog, CRANN is and NGO founded in 1986 to increase October 9th - Planning the garden; soil fertility and Co Waterford. Contact Rita Byrne, Tel. 051- the broadleaf tree cover in Ireland and to pro- care; ground preparation and composting. Day 2: 381978. Workcamp at the Bog of Allen Nature mote/develop Irish broadleaf resources. Crann in November 6th - What to grow; rotations; propaga- Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co Kildare, 11am to conjunction with Birdwatch Ireland (Tipperary tion; Planting out and plant care. Day 3: November 4pm. Help to plant up a new exhibition on carnivo- Branch) are having a Tree Walk in Birr Castle at 27th - Pest and disease control; harvesting; stor- rous plants. Contact Mary Mulvey, Tel. 045- 2.30pm. For more information contact Kate at age; seed saving. Maximum course size: 15. Cost 860133. www.ipcc.ie Crann, 0509-51718 or email Jane Coman: Û60 per day or Û150 for full course. To book SEPTEMBER 5 [email protected], www.crann.ie please call the ISSA, Tel. 061 921866. LAKESHORE NATURE RAMBLE with Con Breen, www.irishseedsavers.ie SEPTEMBER 18 Botanist. Liliput Lough Ennell, Co Westmeath, IRISH SEED SAVERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING OCTOBER 17-25 2.30pm. For more details, contact Westmeath COURSE - HOW TO SAVE SEEDS Introduction to IRISH GEORGIAN SOCIETY - TOUR TO VIRGINIA, Heritage Officer, Bernie Guest, Tel. 044-32077, seed saving techniques that can be used in your including colonial plantation, Georgian, and email: [email protected] own garden. Course includes basic botanical theo- Georgian revival houses in Virginia. Arriving in SEPTEMBER 6-17 ry, assessing the optimum conditions for harvest- Dulles Airport and spending four nights in LAUNCH OF OIDHREACHT EXHIBITION. ing, and an introduction to breeding and improv- Charlottesville and four nights in Richmond. For A schools heritage project entitled Oidhreacht is ing your own vegetable strains. Maximum course full details, contact the IGS office, Tel. 01- underway, as part of the Galway County Heritage size: 15. Cost Û60. Location: Seed Saver premis- 6767053, email: [email protected] 33 Notice Board GET INVOLVED - CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IRELAND The Heritage Council has provided funding for BCI to Conservation Volunteers Ireland, a voluntary environmental organ- build a national database which will collate informa- isation based at Rathfarnham Castle, invites volunteers for practi- tion on bat roosts and distribution. BCI is hoping to cal projects to protect and enhance our natural and cultural envi- recruit new volunteers and arm them with bat detec- ronment. Volunteers enjoy open-air activity in congenial company, tors. Interested individuals can attend Bat Detector as well as benefiting our environmental heritage. For example, we Workshops and take part in this summer’s National Car a re currently engaged, in partnership with Dun Laoghaire - Bat Transect Survey, which was successfully piloted last year Rathdown County Council, in a three-year woodland management and is funded by the Heritage Council and the National Parks and project in Marlay Park. The project involves invasive species Wildlife Service . removal, tree planting, seed collection, wildflower and bulb plant- To become a member or to learn more about BCI, ing, and the creation of a new woodland. CVI invites individuals and see www.batconservationireland.org community groups to become involved in this exciting project in beautiful surroundings. Tools and guidance is provided. At various times throughout the year we also organise Conservation Holidays around the country. CVI also runs practical and informative cours- es, such as Drystone Walling, Hedgelaying, Tree Identification and Planting, Gardening for Birds, etc. If interested, please contact CVI on Tel. 01-495 2878 or see www.cvi.ie GROUNDWORK CONSERVATION CAMPS If you have a taste for adventure, are in good health and are over 18 years of age, then a week-long Groundwork ‘holiday’ is just the thing for you. Groundwork Conservation Workcamps will run for 12 weeks in Killarney National Park, starting on June 13th and fin- The lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros. Two of the ten species found in Ireland are of international importance: the lesser horse- ishing on September 5th. Why not spend a week in one of Ireland's shoe bat and Leisler’s bat. Ireland has ratified two European conventions on national parks, helping to conserve one of Ireland's few remaining bat protection. BCI plans to act as a watchdog to ensure that government wild oak forests by removing invasive Rhododendron which is lives up to their responsibilities. Copyright Pat Falvey destroying the woods. Meet new people from many different coun- tries who share your concern for the environment. One week costs Û30, two weeks Û45 (food and accommodation included). For more information, see www.groundwork.ie, email: [email protected], or call Barbara on 01-6604530 2004 LIZARD SURVEY OF IRELAND In March, 2004, the Irish Wildlife Trust launched a nationwide sur- vey of Ireland’s only native lizard, Lacerta vivipara, the viviparous or common lizard. Interested in helping out? Contact the IWT office, Tel. 01-6604530, or email the Project Coordinator directly at [email protected]. The IWT gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Heritage Council with the 2004 Lizard Survey of Ireland. SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION-WATCH The Irish Wildlife Trust are looking for volunteers who are interest- ed in getting to know more about their local SACs. The network of SAC WATCH volunteers will help the IWT to create local awareness about wildlife sites. Please get involved. This is a great opportuni- ty to discover the biodiversity in your area while at the same time helping to ensure its future. For more information, Tel. 01- 6604530, email: [email protected] CONSERVING IRELAND’S BATS The bat workers of Ireland are uniting! A new umbrella organisa- tion has been launched as a voice for the growing number of Irish bat groups. Local bat groups are run by enthusiasts who wish to study their local bats and highlight their importance. They offer public lectures and provide guided bat walks so locals can learn more about ‘their’ bats. Such an appreciation of the local bat fauna can help to protect known roosts from disturbance. Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI) will act as an umbrella body to dis- seminate information to regional groups, respond to public enquiries through its Bat Helpline, produce information resources, and organise events and surveys. A membership base will be organised to give weight to the threats to bats; to emphasise the heritage value of these animals; to lobby government for changes or additions to the wildlife laws; to address bat conservation issues in relation to proposed developments; and to ensure bats and their needs are considered in the early stages of planning. A summer Bat Officer is to be employed to respond to public enquiries and to develop local bat groups.

34 HERITAGE COUNCIL STAFF

Michael Starrett Stephen Rhys-Thomas Chief Executive Planning Officer What is Heritage? Anne Barcoe Amanda Ryan P.A. to Chief Executive and Chairperson Secretarial Support Under the National Heritage Act Ian Doyle Liam Scott (1995), ‘heritage’ is defined as including Archaeologist Human Resources Manager the following areas: Mary Hanna Isabell Smyth - Monuments Architect Communications and Education Officer - Archaeological Objects Dr Liam Lysaght Position Vacant - Heritage Objects Ecologist Museums and Archives Officer - Architectural heritage Beatrice Kelly Inland Waterways/Marine Officer Heritage Council staff can be contacted - Flora and Fauna at: The Heritage Council, Fionnuala Lynch - Wildlife Habitats - Landscapes Grants Administrator Rothe House, Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny - Seascapes and Wrecks - Geology Martina Malone Tel. 056-7770777 Fax. 056-7770788 Secretarial Support - Heritage Gardens and Parks Email: [email protected] Linda O'Brien www.heritagecouncil.ie - Inland Waterways Financial Controller

LOCAL AUTHORITY HERITAGE OFFICERS

Carlow: Lorcan Scott Fax. 01-2806969 email: Áras an Chontae Tel. 0903-37100 Carlow County Council [email protected] Portlaoise, Co Laois Fax. 0903-37108 email: County Buildings Tel. 0502-74348 / [email protected] Fingal: Gerry Clabby Athy Road, Carlow 0502-64000 Tel. 059-9136201 / Fingal County Council Tel. 0502-22313 Sligo: Siobhan Ryan 059-9170300 PO Box 174, County Hall email: [email protected] Sligo County Council Swords, County Dublin Fax. 059-9141503 email: Riverside. Sligo Limerick: Tom O'Neill [email protected] Tel. 01-8905697 email: Tel. 071-9157444/3 [email protected] Limerick County Council Fax. 071-9141119 email: Cork: Sharon Casey County Buildings [email protected] Galway City: Jim Higgins Heritage Unit 79/84 O'Connell Street Galway City Council [email protected] Cork County Council Limerick City Hall, College Road Millview House Tel. 061-318477 South Tipperary: Galway Victoria Road, Cork Fax. 061-318478 email: Brendan McSherry Tel. 091-526574 / 021-4878006 [email protected] South Tipperary County 091-536400 Ext. 547 email: 021-4818010 email: Council, County Hall [email protected] Mayo: Deirdre Cunningham Clonmel, Co Tipperary [email protected] Mayo County Council Galway County: Tel. 052-34455 / Clare: Congella McGuire Áras an Chontae Marie Mannion 052-34514 Clare County Council Castlebar, Co Mayo Galway County Council Fax. 052-24355 email: New Road, Ennis, Co Clare Tel. 094-9047684 Forward Planning Section [email protected] Tel. 065-6846408 Fax. 094-9047690 email: County Hall, Prospect Hill Fax. 065-6869403 [email protected] Waterford: Galway Dominic Berridge email: [email protected] Meath: Loretto Guinan Tel. 091-509000 Ext. 198 Waterford County Council Meath County Council Dublin City: Fax. 091-509198 email: Civic Offices, Dungarvan County Hall Donncha O'Dulaing [email protected] Co Waterford Dublin City Council Navan, Co Meath Kerry: Una Cosgrave Tel. 058-22021 / Planning & Development Tel. 046-9021581 Kerry County Council 058-22000 email: Department Fax. 046-9021463 Aras an Chontae [email protected] Block 4 Floor 3 email: [email protected] Tralee, Co Kerry Civic Offices, Wood Quay Wicklow: Deirdre Burns Tel. 066-7121111 North Tipperary: Dublin 8 Wicklow County Council Fax. 066-7122466 email: Siobhan Geraghty Tel. 01-6723184 / County Buildings [email protected] North Tipperary County 01-6723800 Council Courthouse Wicklow Fax. 01-6777780 email: Kildare: Bridget Loughlin Nenagh, Co Tipperary Tel. 0404-20100 [email protected] Kildare County Council Tel. 067-31771 email: Fax. 0404-67792 email: St Mary's, Naas, Co Kildare [email protected] Donegal: Joe Gallagher [email protected] Tel. 045-873829 Ext. 3217 Donegal County Council Westmeath: Bernie Guest Fax. 045-876875 email: Offaly: Amanda Pedlow Station Island, Lifford Westmeath County Council [email protected] Offaly County Council Co Donegal Courthouse County Buildings, Mullingar Tel. 074-9172576 email: Kilkenny: Tullamore, Co Offaly Co Westmeath [email protected] Dearbhala Ledwidge Tel. 0506-46839 / Tel. 044-32077 / 32108 Kilkenny County Council 0506-46800 email: [email protected] Dun Laoghaire Rathdown: County Hall, John Street Fax. 0506-46868 email: Tim Carey Longford: (vacant) Kilkenny [email protected] Longford County Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Tel. 056-7794126 County Council Áras an Chontae Fax. 056-7794004 email: Roscommon: Great Water Street, Longford County Hall, Dun Laoghaire [email protected] Nollaig McKeon County Dublin Roscommon County Co Longford Tel. 01-2054868 / Laois: Catherine Casey Council Courthouse Tel. 044-32000 01-2054700 Laois County Council Roscommon Fax. 044-35231 35 Recent Heritage Council Publications

Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Towns and Villages A Guide for Local Community Groups Published by The Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers. This guide encourages communities to be more aware of wildlife in built-up areas and provides advice on wise management of common habitats; best conservation practice; and provides information on choosing native trees and shrubs. Urban areas can support a surprisingly wide range of wildlife habitats and species of conservation interest. Birds nest in gardens or under the eaves of buildings. Hedgerows support mammals, insects, and wildflow- ers. Bats roost in buildings, trees, and under old bridges. Fungi, lichens, and mosses grow on both wood and stone, while our canals support otters, frogs, newts, insects, waterfowl, and fish. Our natural heritage is not confined to rural areas, it just may be hidden or exist on the periphery of our towns and villages. Copies are available at www.heritagecouncil.ie

The Care of Stained Glass The Care of Stained Glass is a guide to the care of stained glass. The booklet features many descriptive photographs, compre- hensive text, full page photographs and typography reflective of the time. Ireland has a rich legacy of stained glass. Fine examples of the art can be found in public and private buildings across the country, but mainly in our churches. The work of some of the finest European, English and Irish artists graces great cathe- drals, historic buildings, and humble churches. This booklet is intended as a guide for the custodians of these treasures, to assist them in their care and conservation.

www.heritagecouncil.ie