Heritage plan and brochures launched
BALTINGLASS Courthouse provided the perfect setting for a celebration of Wicklow’s rich heritage recently.
After the original event had to be postponed due to the Beast from the East, stakeholders and members of the public gathered last week instead, to officially launch the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 20172022 and three new Heritage Trails for west Wicklow.
Speaking at the event, which was organised by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council in association with the Baltinglass Town Renewal Group and the Baltinglass Municipal District, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, said the plan was ‘an ambitious and innovative strategy, providing a road map to guide the council’s actions over the five-year period’.
Cllr Edward Timmins, cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, said the people of Wicklow had ‘great pride in their heritage’ and said the plan was ‘an opportunity to play an active role in safeguarding it into the future and reaping associated economic and social benefits.’
The creation of the three Heritage Trail brochures was undertaken as part of the Coun- ty Wicklow Heritage Plan.
Covering the Blessington Lakeside, west Wicklow and south Wicklow areas, the three driving and/or cycling routes highlight some of the many points of interest, including sites of natural, cultural and social significance to the history of the area.
The launch night was also attended by Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, who drew attention to the important role that local communities and individuals have in telling the stories of their local areas.
He praised the plan and the heritage trails and re-iterated the Heritage Council’s commitment to supporting ongoing heritage activity in Wicklow.
Guests also heard from Dr Keith Smith from the Discovery Programme, who gave a presentation on the information available about Baltinglass Abbey on www.monasticireland.ie, and Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer at Wicklow County Council, who pointed to the wealth of information available online through Wicklow’s online community heritage archive, www. countywicklowheritage.org
The launch was held in the Baltinglass Courthouse to showcase plans by the Baltinglass Town Renewal Group to redevelop the building as a cultural/ heritage attraction and a small business support hub.
One of the highlights for many in attendance was the opportunity to visit the cells, which have remained largely untouched for over a century.