People throughout County Laois are encouraged to have their say in the public consultation on the new heritage plan for Ireland, Heritage Ireland 2030.
A local event aimed at people in Laois will be held on 7 February in Portlaoise Library.
The event will be a drop-in information session starting at 3pm and running until the library closes at 7.30pm.
Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey will be available to provide information on the National Heritage Plan and how to make a submission.
Heritage Ireland 2030 is based around three themes of:
- national leadership
- supporting stronger heritage partnerships and
- building community and local involvement in heritage
The policy will guide the Government’s heritage priorities and investment over the next decade and beyond, including the €285m commitment to heritage in “Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027”, which was launched in April 2018.
Local workshops are a key element of the public consultation process and are being co-ordinated and facilitated by local authority Heritage Officers.
Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council, said “This is a great opportunity for the people of Laois to have their views heard on the future management and promotion of heritage in their own local area.
“Future priorities and of course funding for the heritage sector will be guided by the results of this consultation, so we would really encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Direct submissions are also being accepted by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and there is an easy online survey.
Full details, including dates and locations of upcoming local and regional workshops together with information on how to submit before the February 28th deadline, are available at here
“The natural and built heritage around us enriches our lives, inspires our achievements and gives life to our communities – it also underpins our culture, our economy and our society,” Minister Madigan said, when launching this consultation in November, urging all to have their say in shaping heritage priorities for the decade to come.
“Our heritage is a shared responsibility and a shared treasure. We need to work together at national, local and community level to care for it and to unlock its future potential. So I invite you to play your part in shaping the future of our heritage and have your say during this consultation period”.
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