Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says precious little about our heritage, our past or our archaeology. There is literally one line in it which states: "There will be detrimental impacts to social and cultural assets." Sin é - that is the sum total.

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important matter. It is very important that we recognise the importance of our built and archaeological heritage, including sites of historic and cultural significance and also recognise that they are threatened by climate change. Most importantly, we must recognise what we might lose if that were to happen, not only in terms of the physical artefacts but also the heritage, identity, stories, memories and meaning those sites carry. It is important work. Sites are at risk of damage as a result of flooding, storms, coastal erosion, soil movement, pests and moles, fires and maladaptation, among other things. We have seen examples of this across the island, such as the partial collapse of Dunbeg Fort in Dingle in 2018, the impact of coastal and inland erosion on the Spanish Armada wrecks off the Sligo coast and the collapse of Rathcannon Castle during Storm Ophelia. There are many more examples which were well identified during the consultation relating to the drawing up of the sectoral adaptation plan. The consultation document is interesting because it gives an insight into the importance people place on their local heritage sites. I commend the work of local heritage groups. I am familiar with the work of many of them in my constituency, including those in Kells and Ashbourne. Ashbourne is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.

On the other hand, we have also seen some benefits, for want of a better word, from extreme weather events. In Meath in 2018, the very dry weather resulted in the discovery of further archaeological features across the Brú na Bóinne world heritage site. Similarly, ancient skeletons were unearthed by Storm Ophelia. Overall, it is a story of threat and risk and a question of conservation, protection and management.

I have two questions. First, at what stage of progress are the management plans relating to Tara and Sceilg Mhichíl and will they adequately consider the potential impact of climate change? Second, what plans has the Minister to address the challenge of climate change and heritage in the context of tourism demand?

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