This article is from page 13 of the 2006-07-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
IRELAND’S coastlines and seas need greater protection according to a new policy paper issued by the Heritage Council. The paper on Ireland’s Marine Heritage was presented to the Environment and Heritage Minister, Dick Roche.
The paper warns that unique maritime heritage features such as sand dune systems, salt marshes, Martello towers and fishing villages are under threat from poor planning decisions. It calls for a nationally backed framework to support local coastal management initiatives that includes coastal landscapes, bio-diversity, and off-shore development and provides clear guidance for new development that includes position of new housing, density and design.
“Ireland’s maritime and coastal heritage provides a vast array of wealth to the country including food, tourism, amenity areas, ports, transport and protection from flooding.
Greater national protection and a comprehensive management system needs to be urgently put in place,” said Beatrice Kelly of the Heritage Council.
The policy calls for a number of other measures to be put in place including, specific budgets for managing water quality, guidelines for better record data for fish stocks, and improved management plans for fish farms to reduce ecological damage.
It also urges improvements to the visual impact on the landscape and seascape of Ireland and outlines the need to protect native shellfish stocks.
In addition, it emphasises the need for a greater awareness of Ireland’s maritime heritage, including coastlines, the seas, plants, fish and animals, coastline villages, towns and cities, rich fishing traditions, customs and folklore, recreation and tourism.
“We need to protect these resources more thoroughly because of the rapid rate of development and in light of climate change. Many of our coastal towns and villages are suffering from inappropriate development that will impact negatively on our economy and environment,” Ms Kelly said.