Heritage in Laois to be given priority as new plan for the County is launched

The second Laois Heritage Plan was launched in County Hall on Tuesday 24th April by Dr John Feehan.  Dr Feehan, well-known author of several books on the heritage of Laois and the Slieve Bloom Mountains, reflected at the launch on the importance of heritage in our everyday lives.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Michael Lalor, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, said “Heritage provides us with a sense of belonging and a key to our identity. The Heritage Plan for County Laois aims to help us to explore our past, understand our present and shape our future. The enthusiastic participation of community groups and individuals in the process of preparing this plan is testament to the contribution such plans can make in reconnecting people with their local heritage and celebrating the cultural heritage of each part of the county.”

The diverse gathering of community groups, heritage organisations and people with an interest in the heritage of Laois was also addressed by County Manager Peter Carey, who welcomed the contribution that heritage can make to the creation and nurturing of sustainable and inclusive communities. He said “Our environment, amenities, heritage sites, parks and gardens, landscapes and streetscapes all make a significant contribution to developing and maintaining high quality of life for all our citizens. I would particularly like to welcome the commitment made in this plan to the principles and practice of social inclusion, and I am confident that the delivery of the plan over the next five years will contribute to the developing confidence of Laois as a socially and culturally diverse society.”

The launch of the Heritage Plan was also addressed by Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, who brought a national perspective to the meeting, emphasising the importance of partnership between the Heritage Council and Local Authorities all over Ireland in raising awareness of our diverse heritage and working with local heritage groups and community organisations to deliver valuable conservation projects on the ground at local level.

The second Heritage Plan for County Laois, the plan contains 50 specific actions, which will be delivered over the five-year lifetime of the plan. Implementation has already started, and will be led by Laois County Council’s Heritage Office, in partnership with the Laois Heritage Forum.

Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council, said that the practical input and range of expertise represented by the member organisations of the Heritage Forum had been invaluable in the preparation of the Plan. She continued “From community representatives such as the County Community Forum and Laois Heritage Society, to representatives of agencies such as Teagasc and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the members of the Forum have shown a huge commitment to the conservation of heritage in Laois, and I know that their continued involvement will build on the successes of the first plan to deliver positive action on the ground,

The actions of the new Laois Heritage Plan are broken down under four headings: Collecting information on Laois Heritage; Raising awareness and promoting enjoyment of heritage; Promotion of best practice in the area of heritage management; Promotion of active conservation of heritage in Laois.

Information collection projects being carried out this year under the auspices of the Laois Heritage Plan include a survey of thatched buildings, a survey of the built and natural heritage of bridges, and a survey of habitats.  Under the heading of awareness-raising, the Laois Heritage Office will be announcing shortly details of a photography competition on the theme of Laois Architecture and a series of wildlife awareness workshops for the general public, in partnership with Laois Leader. Also planned are a series of events around the county to celebrate National Heritage Week in August, and a publication on the old Mountmellick Canal, showcasing the

The Laois Heritage Plan can be downloaded here. If you would like a free copy of the plan or for updates on progress of projects, please contact Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer, Laois County Council, phone 057-867 4348.