On top of the world . . . campaign to give Rock of Cashel heritage status
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.
- Michael Brennan Political Correspondent
