On top of the world . . .
campaign to give Rock of Cashel heritage
status
By - Michael Brennan, Political
Correspondent.
ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley has ordered a review to
determine if the Rock of Cashel should be designated a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are just two such sites in the country - Bru na
Boinne in Meath and Sceilig Mhichil in Kerry - compared
to 27 in Britain and 40 in Spain.
Fine Gael Tipperary South TD Tom Hayes called for action
to ensure the Rock of Cashel is given the upgraded status
which would make it an even bigger tourist
attraction.
"People here are very anxious that it be included because
it's the finest site in Ireland and it's well worthy of
it", he said.
Mr. Hayes urged Mr. Gormley to "leave no stone unturned"
in the campaign to have the Rock of Cashel upgraded.
"He needs to move on it and make sure Cashel is in on
it".
Although the Government submitted a "tentative list" of
eight potential World Heritage sites to UNESCO in 1992,
it has put no site forward for nomination in the last 12
years. In the same period, Britain has added 11 and Spain
has added 17.
The Rock of Cashel is one of the most obvious candidates
for inclusion due to its spectacular collection of
buildings overlooking the Tipperary town and its historic
significance.
It was used as a home by the kings of Munster in the
fourth century and later as the site for a 12th. century
Romanesque chapel, a round tower, choral hall and castle.
Around 250,000 people visit it every year, making it the
third most popular visitor attraction in the country
after Dublin Zoo and the Guinness Storehouse.
The Government will be under pressure from tourism groups
in other parts of the country to make applications for
their sites - given the boost that world heritage status
would give to their visitor numbers.
The list includes the Burren, the Killarney National
Park, Ceide Fields in Co. Mayo, Clara Bog in Offaly, the
North West Mayo Boglands the Western Stone Forts (around
40 of them, including Dún Aonghusa on Inis Mor)
and the religious site of Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.
© The Irish Independent, 2nd. April 2008.
Related Articles:
Gormley stresses Burren's uniqueness.
