Heritage

Our built and natural heritage contributes to national health, wellbeing, enjoyment and sustainable economic growth. The goal of the Department’s Heritage Division is to conserve and manage Ireland’s unique heritage for the benefit of present and future generations, as a support to economic renewal and sustainable employment and in compliance with legal obligations.

We work to ensure that Ireland has a suite of policies and legislation in place to meet modern requirements and in compliance with EU and international heritage obligations. We also work to achieve effective implementation and, where appropriate, enforcement of heritage policies and legislation, including through third parties.

In this way, we promote greater appreciation and understanding of the immense intrinsic value of Ireland’s rich heritage and also as a valuable amenity for business, community development, farming and tourism and as a means of presenting Ireland as an attractive destination for sustainable inward investment.

National Parks and Wildlife
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) section of the Department manages the Irish State’s nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law. A particular responsibility of the NPWS is the designation and protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). (www.npws.ie )

National Monuments Service
The formulation and implementation of policy relating to the protection of Ireland’s archaeological heritage is the responsibility of the National Monuments Service (NMS). (www.archaeology.ie )

Built Heritage and Architectural Policy
The Built Heritage and Architectural Policy section is responsible for built heritage – this includes the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). (www.buildingsofireland.ie).

For a full breakdown of the Department’s key areas of responsibility with regard to heritage, please see the Heritage Division Organisational Structure here.