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 for 2012-16 which 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 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.
The Heritage Council part funds the network of 28 City/County Heritage Officers in Local Authorities across the country. The Heritage Council’s vision is that the value of our heritage is enjoyed, managed and protected for the vital contribution that it makes to our identity, well-being and future. For more information on the work of the Heritage Council, please visit www.heritagecouncil.ie
Offaly Heritage Forum
Member Representing Organisation
Cllr Sinead Dooley Cathaoirleach Housing, Social and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee,Offaly County Council
Brian Hart OffalyCommunity Forum
Alex Copland BirdWatch Ireland
Andrew Murray Senior Planner, Planning Department, Offaly County Council
Rachel McKenna County Architect, Offaly County Council
Padriag Brazil Farming Organisations
Stephen McNeill OffalyHistorical 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
Mark Gavin Teagasc
Louis Byrne Waterways Ireland
Colm Malone / Noel Bugler National Parks and Wildlife, Dept AHG
Caimin O'Brien National Monuments Division, Dept AHG
Maura Allen Offaly Local Development Company
Amanda Pedlow Offaly Heritage Officer, Offaly County Council