This article is from page 16 of the 2008-04-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
COMMUNITY interest = groups across Clare are being invited to have their say on the drafting of a new heritage strategy for the county.
Clare County Council, in conjunc- tion with its partners, is currently developing the second Heritage Plan for County Clare covering the period 2009-2013.
The Clare Heritage Office will for- mally launch the public consultation process at a major heritage confer-
ence next Thursday and Friday at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis.
The event will feature presentations on such issues as funding, commu- nity heritage, built heritage, natural heritage, networking and communi- cation, and the effectiveness of the Clare Heritage Plan since its intro- duction in 2003.
“It is imperative that the new herit- age plan reflects the needs and views of all of the people of County Clare,” said Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services, Economic Development
and Planning, Clare County Coun- oF
“It 1s important that we are made aware of ideas, comments and con- cerns relating to networking and communication, opportunities for funding, the needs of communities and individuals to carry out a local heritage project, best practice guide- lines, access to heritage sites and ad- vice on built and natural heritage.”
Ms Kinsella added that the upcom- ing conference would provide com- munity interest groups with the ideal
opportunity to learn more about the new heritage plan, as well as a range of other heritage-related topics and TEStS1 Ueae
The event will include addresses by Junior Environment and Energy Minister, Tony Killeen and John Gittins of the Cheshire Landscape Trust, along with representatives of various community organisations from across Clare.
“We have built up a considerable network of community contacts since 2003 and we will be consulting with
all of these people in relation to the formation of the new heritage plan.
“The conference presents a tremen- dous opportunity for members of the general public to have their say on the formation of the plan,” said Con- gella McGuire, Heritage Officer with Clare County Council.
Information is available from the Heritage Section of Clare County Council at 065-6821616, heritage @clarecoco.ie or www.clare- coco.ie. The closing date for submis- sions is Friday, June 16 at Spm.