Partnership approach will help achieve objectives
Limerick City and County Council’s new heritage plan will focus on improving the accessibility, research, conservation and management of Limerick’s rich and diverse heritage to the benefit of local communities and the local economy.
The purpose of Heritage Plan 2017 to 2030 is to ensure a focus on ensuring Limerick’s heritage continues to be unique and diverse while being accessible to all.
Key priorities have been identified for a number of heritage areas including archaeology, built heritage, architecture, public realm, archives, the museum, biodiversity and environmental awareness, cultural heritage, local history, the diversity and integration of new communities.
The objectives are derived from the need to raise awareness of Limerick’s urban and rural heritage; the need to acquire more knowledge on heritage and make it available in a user-friendly manner as well as the need to promote best practice in conservation and management; and to support local economy and tourism.
These objectives will be achieved by Limerick City and County Council working with its extensive network of partnerships including the Heritage Council, other local authorities, community groups, land-owners and social enterprises working in the heritage area.
Key successes already achieved by Limerick City and County Council with the support of the Heritage Council include Limerick’s Golden Mile, ecological studies on the Shannon Estuary in partnership with Clare County Council, environmental awareness programmes, research on the medieval core of the city, and structural studies of Bouchiers Castle in Lough Gur, programmes on Limerick’s industrial heritage, in particular Limerick Lace, and local heritage programmes with local schools.
Bernadette Collins, Limerick City and County Council Planner and Co-ordinator of the Heritage Plan said: “Heritage must be understood as a key component in Limerick’s future economic and social development. It is a non-renewable resource, often delicate, under many pressures from the demands of modern life, for example, climate change, or economical pressures when renovating older built structures, or loss of traditional craftsmanship to sustain building fabric.”
“This Heritage Plan is a means to look to the future for our heritage. It ensures that heritage remains and enriches quality of life for the people of Limerick, having educational, social and economic potential in an increasing globalised world.”
Beatrice Kelly, Head of Policy and Research of the Heritage Council said "We are increasingly aware of the role of heritage in our lives. It provides us with a sense of place and identity. The Heritage Council’s strategic plan is about encouraging communities to get involved recognising the potential they have to shape their communities for the future. Limerick’s Heritage Council is a very commendable step in the right direction towards supporting the Council and the wider community’s appreciation for its heritage.”
The Heritage Plan 2017 – 2030 is available here.