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Minister Gormley announces launch of Ireland’s World Heritage Website and Information Brochure

Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (8 June 2010) announced the launch of a new website by his Department. This new website World Heritage Ireland (www.worldheritageireland.ie) is a subject specific website dealing with all matters concerning Ireland’s World Heritage properties and projects relating to World Heritage.

“One of the key objectives in developing this website”, the Minister said, “is to provide information for people in relation to our two World Heritage properties Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael together with the properties on our new World Heritage Tentative List. It will be an effective communication and information channel for all aspects of our World Heritage Programme and will prove to be a valuable reference for citizens, visitors, students and academics alike”. The Minister highlighted the importance of accessibility and the development of public awareness which the website would provide particularly to those who may not be in a position to visit our World Heritage properties.

The Minister expressed his hope that the website would support tourism and increase both national and international interest in our World Heritage properties. “Tourism is a significant contributor to the Irish economy in terms of revenue and employment and Fáilte Ireland has identified heritage as a potential growth area for Ireland’s share of tourism” he said.

A brochure entitled “World Heritage – Ireland” has also been produced. The brochure contains some general information on World Heritage together with information on Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael and Ireland’s new Tentative List.

Copies of the “World Heritage – Ireland”  brochure may be downloaded from the new World Heritage website and may also be obtained by contacting the Built Heritage and Architectural Policy Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Newtown Road, Wexford, telephone numbers 053-911 7391 & 053-911 7388.

 

ENDS