Senator Victor Boyhan has said that a recruitment plan for heritage professionals recently announced is “very welcome”, which will see a new range of new local authority archivists, architectural conservation officers and archaeologists.
The plan was announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan and will see €1 million funding coming into place from 2025.
The plan will ensure that essential specialist professional resources are in place to protect local heritage and provide increased public services.
This is part of an overall allocation of €5 million to the Heritage Council aimed at strengthening heritage protection measures and improving accessibility to heritage at local level. It will also support the already fully resourced biodiversity and heritage officer networks.
Despite a direct correlation between funding allocated to heritage projects in a local authority area and the number of heritage professionals they employ, only a limited number of local authorities have appointed the full range of such professionals.
Senator Boyhan said: “Many projects including restoration of old period farm buildings and former homesteads are being held up because of the work demands of architectural and heritage appraisal of the owners proposals, so these new stream of appointments is very welcome”
The plan is being implemented by the Heritage Council in collaboration with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Senator Boyhan said that the plan will also support the already fully resourced biodiversity and heritage officer networks.
Beginning in early 2025, the Heritage Council will collaborate with local authorities to initiate the recruitment of new Architectural Conservation Officers and Archivists. The recruitment process for archaeologists is anticipated to follow at a later stage.
It is planned that between 20 and 30 new heritage positions will be created during 2025, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing gaps in heritage expertise and capacity.