Adopt a Monument scheme launched
THE Heritage Council has launched the fourth national ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme for local communities to champion their heritage sites.
The scheme is dedicated to recognising, preserving and celebrating heritage sites throughout Ireland. It offers opportunities to develop and understand the story of your locality and to work collaboratively together.
From mentoring and training to assistance with funding applications and community events, the Heritage Council works in partnership to help to develop a deeper understanding of the monument and its place in the landscape.
One site that has benefited form the scheme is the crusher house at Baravore in Glenmalure, which was built out of cut stone granite in 1859. In 2016, the scheme helped the community to liaise with the landowners to conserve and record the building and mining complex. In March 2017 a celebration weekend was held that involved tours of the valley, demonstrations by the stonemasons that carried out the conservation works, a small archaeological excavation of the floor of the building and children’s events.
Since the launch of the scheme, 150 entries have been received with 13 sites across the country selected to become adopted monuments.
To nominate a local monument please visit www.heritagecouncil.ie to download an application form. Closing date for applications is February 28. NEW interactive technology which is to be installed in the public area of Wicklow County Council was unveiled to elected members at their February meeting.
A new interactive touch screen is soon to be operational, allowing members of the public to access a variety of information such as local area plans, online planning lists, council social media updates and contact details for various departments.
Behind the scenes, a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is also being introduced which members were informed would lead to greater transparency and shorter times for queries to be resolved.
A number of councillors including Cllr Jennifer Whitmore and Cllr Miriam Murphy reminded officials that the new public screen must be installed at a height which is accessible to all.
They were informed that this would be the case.
In relation to the CRM system, Cllr Joe Behan said that if it is just ‘window dressing’ then it has no function.
‘This is good as a concept but the problem is not getting an issue reported but in getting it addressed. All the magic technology - if the underlying issue is not dealt with will be a complete waste of money,’ he said.
Chief Executive Frank Curran disagreed that it would be window dressing.
‘This is all about efficiency and everything will be tracked. Having the facts for waiting times will assist us and the information will be available to councillors,’ he said.