Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

335. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if Ireland has recently submitted a tentative list to UNESCO of world heritage sites; the progress in re-examining the tentative list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11438/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites includes those properties that are considered to be suitable for progression to World Heritage status. The current Tentative List is now under review in keeping with UNESCO advice to do so every ten years. In its capacity as Focal Point for the World Heritage Convention, my Department has invited local authorities to submit applications with respect to sites within their areas of responsibility that would potentially meet Tentative List requirements.

My Department is liaising closely with, and providing advice and guidance to, the local authorities that have expressed an interest in having a site added to the revised Tentative List, including managing a programme of outreach and capacity building for those authorities and for other relevant bodies.

In order to be included on the revised Tentative List, a site must have the capacity to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, meaning that its significance transcends national boundaries and is of global importance for present and future generations. Crucially, there must be strong local support for the project in light of the requirement under the UNESCO Operational Guidelines for participatory planning and stakeholder consultation. Additionally, there must be adequate protection and management frameworks in place to ensure the long-term conservation and protection of a site as a World Heritage Property.

The deadline for receipt of applications from local authorities for the revised Tentative List is 30 June 2021. An Expert Advisory Group will then review the applications received and advise my Department on the composition of the of the proposals to be submitted to UNESCO.