Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government

Heritage Council: Chairperson Designate

Photo of Steven MatthewsSteven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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I thank Dr. Moloney. I add my congratulations to those of the members. She has significant experience in local government as well and that is very important. She will have heard the great support for heritage and the work of the Heritage Council from committee members. The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, will come before the committee in three weeks' time to give us an update on work he has been doing within his remit in the heritage sector and electoral reform. He has been a great champion of heritage over the years.

I noted some of the points that were made. Dr. Moloney can let us know how we can assist her with the communication plan to highlight the work of the Heritage Council. We would be very happy to assist her either in our work as public representatives or through the committee. I am sure the committee is in agreement on that.

It is important to get feedback on the issues raised by those who engage with the Heritage Council so we can learn how we can assist with any concerns. A standardised marking system for urban heritage trails would be a fantastic initiative if we could do it. That would be good for all.

Reference was made to the review of the planning system. The committee will engage in that and we would be interested in feeding the views of the Heritage Council into the process. I am not sure how the process will work but the heritage voice in the planning system needs to be very strong. I thank Dr. Moloney and Ms Teehan for being here today.