Minister Gormley launches Architectural Heritage of County Clare Guide

niahMr John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has launched his Department’s Architectural Heritage Survey of County Clare and the associated book, An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Clare at an event hosted by Clare County Council in the County Offices in Ennis. The book is the twenty-second to be published in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) series.

NIAH surveys record a sample of built heritage, ranging from structures of grand design to simple construction, spanning the period 1700 to the present day. The surveys inform recommendations from the Minister to Planning Authorities for inclusion of structures in their Record of Protected Structures.

The Minister referenced the diverse historic built stock of County Clare when noting that “the built heritage of County Clare is a major contributor to its unique identity and sense of place.” He pointed to the significance of “the restored tollhouses at D’Esterre’s Bridge, the Spectacle Bridge at Lisdoonvarna and the great hydro-electrical complex at Ardnacrusha.”

Minister Gormley congratulated Ennis Town Council, Clare County Council and their officials for their interest and enthusiasm in ensuring that the County Clare Record of Protected Structures is robust and comprehensive. This approach helps to support existing pride of place at community level – the most powerful tool in ensuring conservation of Ireland’s national and local built heritage.