Wicklow duo attend European Year of Cultural Heritage event in Brussels

TWO Wicklow people have just returned from Brussels having participated in a programme designed around the celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH).

Brian Dunne, Co-ordinator of Wicklow Uplands Council, and Deirdre Burns, Wicklow Heritage Officer, were part of a delegation from the Irish heritage sector which got to meet several of Ireland’s MEPs and various representatives from a number of Directorate- Generals in the European Commission. The visit was organised by the Heritage Council and the busy schedule included a series of presentations and meetings with participants being briefed directly on the significance of cultural heritage within EU policy and related developments happening within Europe. This year’s ‘National Heritage Week’ theme of ‘Share a Story: Make a Connection’ is linked with the EYCH.

Mr Dunne gave a presentation to the group that included representatives from a number of Directorate- Generals titled ‘A Community Led Approach to Upland Management’ which shared insights of the bottom-up approach undertaken by Wicklow Uplands Council. This included the background to the Uplands Council’s establishment along with an overview of projects such as the SUAS pilot, developing sustainable recreation opportunities, the Pure Project and experiences of community involvement.

Speaking after his return to Ireland, Mr Dunne said: ‘It was a very positive and interesting exchange to learn how cultural heritage is having greater recognition within EU policy.’

In celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, a photo competition and exhibition for August’s ‘Heritage Week’ is to be unveiled shortly. The Wicklow Uplands Council has also recently announced a heritage trails recording project in partnership with Wicklow County Council’s Heritage Office. The extensive project will work closely with local historical societies to collect and preserve local folklore and to record natural and built heritage.