1995 Heritage Act
In the context of the 1995 Heritage Act, the term 'Heritage' is considered to encompass monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage gardens and parks, inland waterways.
Offaly Heritage Office
The Heritage Office was established in 2000. The framework for the current work programme is set out in the Offaly Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011. The Offaly Heritage Plan for 2012-16 was launched on 18th November 2011. The Offaly Heritage Forum meets four times annually, with working groups meeting as needed.
The Offaly Heritage Office, along with the members of the Offaly Heritage Forum, aims to 'work with all of us in Offaly, to increase awareness and appreciation of our manmade, cultural and natural heritage, leading to actions which promote its protection, enhancement and vitality.'
The role of the Heritage Officer is to
- work with the Heritage Forum to deliver the Offaly Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011 and the 2012 - 2016 Offaly Heritage Plan
- work with groups and individuals to help plan and deliver appropriate heritage related projects
- to assist all sections of Offaly Local Authorities on heritage related matters
There is a free Annual Heritage Seminar, each autumn, to update on the projects being progressed in the county. Email heritage@offalycoco.ie to be notified of this or other heritage events.
Support for many of the projects and the post of the Heritage Officer is received from the Heritage Council.
Offaly Heritage Forum
| Member | Representing Organisation |
| Cllr Eamon Dooley | Cathaoirleach Housing, Social and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee, Offaly County Council |
| Brian Hart | Community Forum, Offaly County Development Board |
| Alex Copland | BirdWatch Ireland |
| Andrew Murray | Planning Department, Offaly County Council |
| Rachel McKenna | County Architect, Offaly County Council |
| Padriag Brazil | Farming Organisations |
| Stephen McNeill | Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society |
| Christine Byrne | Slieve Bloom Rural Development |
| Fiona Devery | Botanical Society of British Isles |
| Tom Egan | Bord na Mona Energy Ltd |
| Richard Whelan | Coillte |
| Louis Byrne | Waterways Ireland |
| Val Swan | National Parks and Wildlife, DoEHLG |
| Caimin O'Brien | National Monuments Division, DoEHLG |
| Maura Allen | Offaly Local Development Company |
| Amanda Pedlow | Offaly Heritage Officer, Offaly County Council |