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Safeguarding the past: how local authorities preserve our heritage

Our heritage is a vital part of our history and culture. It includes old buildings, streets, landscapes, and even traditions like folklore and crafts. These elements help tell the story of our past and they give our cities and towns their special character. 

Local authorities play a key role in protecting our heritage, making sure it is preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. This article explains a number of ways that they do this, from providing expert guidance to helping arranging funding for conservation projects.

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The role of the Heritage Officer

Heritage Officers are key to promoting heritage awareness and developing heritage policy at the local authority area level, working in partnership with the Heritage Council. Their work is varied and encompasses built, natural, archaeological, and cultural heritage. It's a role with diverse responsibilities, including: 

  • Providing advice on heritage conservation to the public and the local authority

  • Helping local communities apply for funding 

  • Collecting data and conducting research 

  • Organising heritage events and educational programmes 

Understanding protected structures 

You might sometimes hear the terms 'listed building' or 'protected structure' used to describe a building that is on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). A building or structure included on the RPS is considered of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, social, scientific, or technical importance.

If you own or occupy a protected structure you have a legal obligation to ensure the structure remains in good condition and it's not at risk of damage or neglect. Because the building is protected, you can't make changes to the structure without going through the correct planning process. 

Architectural Conservation Areas

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a designated area in a village or town that is considered to have special architectural or cultural importance. It can be a cluster of building, a streetscape or even the entire town centre. 

When the area has been designated as an ACA it means that planning permission is required for any work that might alter the character of the area. ACAs help safeguard traditional buildings, materials, and design features while allowing for appropriate, sensitive development.
 

Grants and support for heritage conservation 

If you own or are responsible for a historic building, there are grants to help with maintenance and restoration. The major funding schemes include: 

  • Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) helps to fund the repair and conservation of structures that are on the RPS or in an Architectural Conservation Areas or the amenity of a National Monument.

  • Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is available to help with the cost of for large-scale conservation works on historic structures.

  • Community Monuments Fund (CMF) provides funding to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. The fund supports projects that conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites.

Getting involved in Ireland's heritage

Even if you don’t own a historic building, you can still help protect heritage by: 

  • Taking part in events like National Heritage Week and Culture Night 

  • Learning about local history and visiting heritage sites

  • Respecting historic buildings and landmarks

  • Supporting local museums and archives

Heritage connects us to the past and helps shape our identity. By valuing and protecting it, we ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from it too. If you would like to dig deeper into this topic, read our more in-depth article on local government heritage services.