Heritage and Culture

Natural Heritage

Waterford contains a variety of sites of special conservation interest as they are considered to be internationally important under the EU Habitats Directive. Nine sites are designated for their value as habitats or species of flora or fauna e.g. the Rivers Suir and Blackwater and the Comeragh Mountains whilst Dungarvan Bay, Tramore Bay and the coast are designated Special Protection Areas for birdlife.

Conservation sites of national importance include Kilbarry Bog and Fenor Bog which are designated as Natural Heritage Areas. Connecting these sites are networks of ecological corridors important for biodiversity at a local scale e.g. small wetlands, woodlands, tree lines and hedgerows. The importance of these ecological stepping stones is recognised in Article 10 of the EU Habitats Directive. Other sites of natural heritage value protected in the Development Plan include, trees listed under Tree Preservation Order Geological Heritage Sites and scenic routes and views.

Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity

Green Infrastructure (GI) is used to describe the interconnected network of land and water all around us that sustains environmental quality and enrich our quality of life. GI contributes to the protection of both the urban and rural environments for people, biodiversity and ecosystems. GI can include nature conservation areas, parks, open space, rivers and floodplains, hedgerows and wetlands.

See images below for a good example of Green Infrastructure in the county in Dunhill – Annestown Valley.

Built Heritage and Archaeology

The built heritage includes a rich catalogue of archaeological and architectural structures including castles, country houses, churches, public buildings, town houses, historic shopfronts, thatched cottages, farm complexes, mills, quays and lighthouses. Many of these buildings are designated as Protected Structures (PS) and included on the Record of Protected Structures or are located within designated Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA).

Archaeological Sites and Monuments are recorded on the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which identifies the location of all known recorded archaeological monuments in Waterford City and County. The RMP also includes Zones of Archaeological Potential which indicates areas of potential archaeology within a given area.

Culture

Culture is an integral part of how we lead our everyday lives. It connects us through our rituals and traditions through our landscape, language, sport, food, song and dance. It roots us and gives us a sense of place. It assists our health and wellbeing, gives expression to our creativity and provides outlets for participation, engagement, reflection, celebration and entertainment for all citizens.

Creativity is increasingly been recognised as supporting innovation and economic development. The Creative Ireland programme and planned development of a creative industries ecosystem in the Waterford Cultural Quarter support cultural and economic growth including in employment, tourism and Waterford’s status as regional capital of the South East.

Heritage and Culture can all play an important economic role that promotes jobs, encourages tourisms and supports the hospitality sector of Waterford.

Key Information

Heritage Facts:

132ha 

 Waterford Nature Park and pNHA is a 132 ha  public amenity
          and biodiversity space within the city environment

54 

Geological Heritage Sites

56 

Wetlands of local biodiversity interest

Built Heritage Facts:

€1m 

received in funding for protected structures in Waterford since 2016

3 

There are 3 ACAs in Waterford

2,700 

archaeological sites and monuments in Waterford

1,500 

buildings on the RPS in Waterford

Gaeltacht Facts:

An Rinn was the only Gaeltacht in the County to  see an increase in Irish speakers

 

Dungarvan is classified as a Gaeltacht Service Town

27% 

of the population of An Rinn speak Irish on a daily basis

Culture Facts:

569,841 

people visited our libraries in 2018 with 445,450 items issued  to library borrowers

 

WCCC has adopted the Waterford City & County Council Library  Development Plan 2017–2022 and The Arts Strategy 2016–2021

€500K 

from Creative Ireland Programme
2017– 2022
to fund creativity and
development of creative communities)

€165K 

grants total by which Cultural Venues were funded in 2018

€327,800 

total funding which went to Cultural Festival Grants

€160K 

Arts Programme total funding

€90K 

total funding which went to Arts Practice Grants in support of artists

 

1. How can the development plan balance the need to maintain and enhance the quality, character and function of our natural heritage landscapes and seascapes while facilitating appropriate development?
2. How can natural heritage and biodiversity be enhanced in your area/Waterford?
3. What are the key features of biodiversity value and how can the development plan protect and enhance them?
4. How can the development plan encourage and strike a balance between conservation and renewal, while facilitating the reuse/adaptation of protected structures that are underutilised or have fallen into disrepair?
5. Our built heritage contributes to our sense of place; can we adapt historic buildings and find a sustainable reuse without losing unique character?
6. How can the development plan assist the owners of historic structures in protecting and using their properties?
7. Are there areas in your town/village that should be designated as an Architectural Conservation Area and if so why?
8. Should any changes be made to the Record of Protected Structures and if so, why?
9. How can the development plan support the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht in An Rinn and safeguard and promote culture in Waterford?
10. What policies or actions should be included in the development plan to progress the Waterford Cultural Quarter?
11. Can the development plan support cultural and creative industry and associated events and if so how?