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Briain Kelly, 8 Jul
Community leaders are appealing to the public to have their say on
Galway’s Draft Heritage Plan.
The closing date for submissions or observations is on July 25, so now is
the time to put your thoughts together, says the Galway City Community
Network.
“Galway’s Heritage belongs to everyone, so we all have a right to
contribute to future plans for protecting and sharing it,” says GCCN
co-ordinator, Jacinta Fay.
Derrick Hambleton from GCCN member organisation, An Taisce, agrees.
“Galway has a unique natural, built and cultural heritage that gives the
city its identity and which contributes significantly to our wellbeing.”
“The public consultation on the Draft Heritage Plan 2024-2029 is our
opportunity to have our say in how this heritage is conserved, enhanced
and protected for our benefit and that of future generations.”
Derrick cites the example of the Eglinton Canal locks, saying their repair
could boost the restoration of the canal.
He points to many other counties and local authorities who have
successfully completed canal restoration projects to benefit tourism and
the local
community.
He says it’s also crucial to look ahead to how the plan will be
implemented, once it’s agreed.
“Galway City Council should allocate funds in each Annual Budget to cover
the costs involved in delivering the Heritage Plan over its 5-year
lifespan.”
The Terryland Forest Park Alliance is also a member of GCCN, and their
spokesperson is Brendan Smith.
He says the draft Heritage Plan gives the public “a critical opportunity
to make their views known on the need to preserve, protect, nurture and
enhance our
city’s living landscapes and traditions.”
“Galway city pulsates with a multi-layered heritage of medieval buildings
and 19th century canals. We have a mix of active farmland, traditional
rural greenways, woods, rivers and seashores rich in native biodiversity.
We also have a vibrant culture of song,
dance, literature and drama.”
However, Brendan says ongoing urbanisation impacts negatively on many
aspects of this unique heritage, “especially on our natural and rural
landscapes. We need to protect these landscapes more than ever before in a
time of a global climate and biodiversity
crises.”
GCCN co-ordinator, Jacinta Fay, says each of us will have our own
concerns, interests and priorities when it comes to Galway’s diverse
heritage.
“The vision in the plan is to conserve, enhance and promote Galway City’s
rich heritage through community engagement, sustainable practices, and
innovative initiatives.”
“So, whether your focus is on waterways, castles, arts, music or maritime
heritage, all views and suggestions are vitally important. We can all help
protect our heritage and shape our future by contributing to this plan,”
says Jacinta.
GCCN, who represent over 180 local organisations in the city, says their
advice is to read through the draft plan first.
The draft plan can be downloaded and read from the city council website
here.