·         Adoption of Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy

Cllr. John Keogh, Chairperson of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support SPC introduced the presentation of the Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025-2029 which was developed through an iterative process led by the Heritage Officer, Ms. Nollaig Feeney and guided by the Roscommon Heritage Forum. Cllr. Keogh thanked Ms. Feeney for her work in preparing the strategy.

Heritage Officer, Ms.  Nollaig Feeney, delivered a presentation outlining the Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025–2029. The strategy sets out a comprehensive framework for the management, protection and promotion of heritage in the county, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. Feeney provided an overview of the broad scope of heritage, including build, natural, cultural and intangible elements and gave a background on the role and composition of the County Roscommon Heritage Forum.

During the presentation, Ms. Feeney discussed the key themes of the strategy which includes:

·         Commitment to High Standards: Emphasising best practices in heritage care, conservation, and innovation.

·         Collaborative Approach: Promoting partnerships with local, regional, and national stakeholders to deliver impactful projects.

·         Public Engagement: Enhancing awareness and appreciation of heritage through effective communication.

·         Biodiversity Protection: Recognising biodiversity as a core element of heritage, supporting climate resilience and sustainable tourism.

·         Evidence-Based Policy: Supporting research, surveys, and data collection to inform future decision-making.

Ms. Feeney also outlined the funding context for 2025, noting that the Heritage Team is funded by Roscommon County Council and the Heritage Council. The total grant allocation for the year is €466,764, comprising of funding from schemes such as Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Community Monuments Fund (CMF), Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), and biodiversity-specific grants.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended Ms. Feeney for her dedication and the significant contribution she has made to heritage in the county. He acknowledged the challenges of working within a limited budget, particularly in a field that is both highly skilled and expensive.

The Members discussed the following:

• Further praise was expressed for Ms. Feeney and the entire Heritage Team.
• Concern was raised regarding the limited funding available, with calls for greater government investment in heritage.
• The wide-ranging demands and diversity of heritage projects were acknowledged.
• The importance of promoting heritage sites for tourism was discussed.

·         Specific reference was made to key heritage sites such as the Strokestown Famine Museum, Rathcroghan Centre, and the Douglas Hyde Centre, which will be bypassed by the new N5 route. A proposal was made to allocate funding for signage to direct visitors to these sites and support the local economy.

·         Appreciation was expressed for the work of voluntary groups involved in heritage.

·         A query was raised regarding the possibility of assigning Eircodes to heritage sites such as the birthplace of Percy French. Cllr. Moylan committed to exploring this.

·         The strategy was widely praised as a strong roadmap for the future of heritage in the county.

·         Clarification was sought on responsibility for the maintenance of protected structures, particularly in light of damage caused by Storm Éowyn. A query was raised regarding the availability of special funding for such repairs.

·         Several heritage projects were highlighted and discussed, including: a recent apple tree planting initiative at Bennett’s Orchard, Castlerea, storm damage to Elphin Windmill, the Old Castle in Elphin, currently awaiting funding, the monastic site of St. Barry in Tarmonbarry and the Arigna Mining Experience.

·         Details were shared about a new Woodland Walkway in Elphin, opening on 20th August, which was largely developed through voluntary effort and is the first of its kind in the county.

Ms. Feeney confirmed that there had been no confirmation of additional funding for buildings damaged during Storm Éowyn. However, the 2026 BHIS had recently been announced and would be advertised in the coming weeks.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

              SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025-2029.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

           SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED that money is set aside for signage of heritage sites along the N5 route.