This strategy document provides a comprehensive overview of Ireland’s built vernacular heritage, emphasizing the importance of understanding, conserving, and passing on this cultural legacy. It highlights the significance of vernacular buildings, traditional crafts, and their relationship with the environment. The document outlines a three-year strategy with three key themes: understanding, minding, and handing-on the built vernacular heritage. Each theme is supported by specific actions aimed at enhancing public engagement, providing reliable information, and assessing environmental performance.
The strategy recognises the need for public dialogue to gauge the state of knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of the built vernacular heritage. It aims to encourage greater appreciation and support for building owners, especially younger individuals, through collaboration with various stakeholders such as building owners, local authorities, schools, and community groups. Additionally, the document emphasises the establishment of a national source of information on the built vernacular heritage to address the lack of coherent information and provide guidance for owners and the public.
Furthermore, the document underscores the importance of consistent, well-informed approaches to the conservation of the built vernacular heritage. It advocates for assessing the environmental performance of vernacular buildings and materials to ensure sustainability and health. The strategy also highlights the significance of public engagement, events for children, and making information accessible to the general public and specialists.
Overall, this document serves as a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts in the field of European Heritage, offering insights into the preservation and promotion of Ireland’s built vernacular heritage. It provides a roadmap for coordinated efforts to safeguard this heritage for future generations while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its cultural and historical significance.
