Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened carefully to the Deputy and I share his views on the importance and value of securing world heritage status for these sites as quickly as possible. I take on board what he said about the progressive county councils. When county councils work with us, it does make it much easier. When we have their assistance it is preferable, but my Department will continue to push for progress on the sites that are moving ahead while staying in touch with the others on the tentative list, with a view to getting them to move on should they wish to do so. We will engage with them, and we will try to move them along.

We are working closely with the local authorities and the local interest groups, as the Deputy knows, in regard to the Burren and the royal sites. I am also aware that the historic city of Dublin nomination is being actively followed up by Dublin City Council, and my Department is engaged with the council to help and guide them with the process. Once the nomination documentation has been sent to UNESCO, it usually takes about 18 months for it to be examined and for the related site visits and reports. It is only at that stage that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is in a position to decide on whether to approve a nomination for inscription on the world heritage list.

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