11.5 - Policies and Objectives

11.5.1 The Record of Protected Structures

The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) requires each Planning authority to include in their development plan objectives for the protection of structures, or parts of structures, which are of, special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical or social interest. These buildings and structures are compiled on a register referred to as the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). The RPS for Dublin City is listed in Volume 4 and shown on development plan maps.

The Record is a mechanism for the statutory protection of such structures. Reference to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and Ministerial Recommendations is made when assessing a building for inclusion on the RPS.

A ‘Protected Structure’[1] is defined as any structure or specified part of a structure, which is included in the RPS. Unless otherwise stated, it includes the interior of the structure, the land lying within the curtilage of the structure, any other structures lying within that curtilage and their interiors, and all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of the above structures. The protection also extends to any features specified as being in the attendant grounds including boundary treatments.

External and Internal Works

All works to protected structures shall be carried out to the highest standards in accordance with the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 2011). Additional guidance for proposed works to and the repair of historic structures and features are published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Advice Series (available https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/resources), comprising a range of specific advice and guidance for example on: Windows: The Repair of Historic Windows (2007); Iron: The Repair of Wrought and Cast Ironwork (2009); Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings (2010); Access: Improving the Accessibility of Historic Buildings and Places (2011) and Paving: The Conservation of Historic Ground Surfaces (2015).

The City Council will manage and control external and internal works that materially affect the architectural character of the structure through the development management process. Planning permission is required for any works, including repairs, which would materially affect the character of the structure or its special interest.

All planning applications relating to protected structures shall contain the appropriate level of documentation in accordance with Article 23 (2) of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended) and Chapter 6 and Appendix B of the ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2011), or any variation thereof including where relevant an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment.

Curtilage of a Protected Structure

The curtilage[2] of a protected structure is often an essential part of the structure’s special interest. In certain circumstances, the curtilage may comprise a clearly defined garden or grounds, which may have been laid out to complement the design or function.

However, the curtilage of a structure can also be expansive and be affected by development at some distance away.

The Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment submitted with any development proposal should also include an appraisal of the wider context of the site or structure including potential visual impacts on curtilage of a protected structure.

Historic Use

The historic use of the structure is part of its special interest and often the best use for a building will be that for which it was built. However, on occasion a change of use will be the best way to secure the long-term conservation of a structure. Where a change of use is proposed, the building should be capable of being converted into the new use without harmful extensions or modifications, such as the insertion of new openings, staircases, the substantial subdivision of historic floor plans and/or serious loss of historic fabric. Issues such as fire protection, sound proofing, servicing and access will also require careful consideration. In finding the optimum viable use for protected structures, other land-use policies and site development standards may be relaxed to achieve long-term conservation. In some circumstances, short-term uses may be deemed appropriate in order to ensure a building remains weather-tight and in use pending long-term solutions.

Fixtures and Fittings

Historic fixtures and fittings are at risk of damage or theft when buildings are vacant, undergoing building work, or on the market. Where development is proposed, the Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment should outline how proposals will manage this risk. If architectural features are damaged or stolen, they must be re-instated; this is likely to require a new planning application.

Demolition

Planning permission shall not be granted for the demolition or substantial demolition of a protected structure or a proposed protected structure except in exceptional circumstances (Section 57(10)(b) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)). It is accepted that in some circumstances, the loss of a protected structure may be the only option and this may be permitted where it will secure substantial public benefit or where there is no other viable option. Any proposal regarding the demolition of a protected structure will require the strongest justification provided by a qualified professional with expertise in architectural conservation. The applicant will be required to provide preservation by written and visual record of the structure or any element of the structure that contributes to its special interest, or the architectural salvaging or reinstatement of any such element, before the authorised development takes place.

Buildings-at-Risk

Each owner and occupier of a protected structure is required to ensure that the structure/building and any of its feature(s) of special interest are not endangered; under Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Any person causing damage to a protected structure without lawful authority is guilty of an offence.

Dublin City Council maintains and proactively manages the Buildings-at-Risk Register of protected structures that are considered to be endangered or to have the potential to become ‘endangered’ through neglect, decay, damage or harm. The Conservation Section liaises between Planning Enforcement, Derelict Sites and Dangerous Buildings Sections of the City Council in order to prevent endangerment and to address endangerment where it has been identified.

Building Regulations

In carrying out works to protected structures in accordance with the requirements of building regulations, the special interest and character of the building should be considered. Further guidance is provided in the Advice Series publication Access: Improving the Accessibility of Historic Buildings and Places (2011), and Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings (2010), published by the then Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and now issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

11.5.2 Architectural Conservation Areas

The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), provides the legislative basis for the protection of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). Under the Act, an ACA is defined as a place, area, group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical, social interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures.

ACAs are designated in recognition of their special interest or unique historic and architectural character, and important contribution to the heritage of the city. This character is often derived from the cumulative impact of the area’s buildings, their setting, landscape and other locally important features which developed gradually over time. An ACA may consist of groupings of buildings and streetscapes and associated open spaces. Chapter 3 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) provides more detailed guidance in relation to ACAs and the assessment of development proposals within them.

The protected status afforded by inclusion in an ACA only applies to the exterior of structures and features of the streetscape.

While the purpose of ACA designation is to protect and enhance the special character of an area, it should not be viewed as a means of preventing new development but rather to help guide and manage change to ensure developments are sympathetic to the special character of the ACA.

The city has 24 designated ACAs which range from historic villages such as Chapelizod, to Georgian streets and squares such as North Great George’s Street, Fitzwilliam Square and Mountjoy Square, and attractive Victorian streetscapes such as Haddon Road and Victoria Road in the suburbs of Clontarf.

Each of the ACAs adopted by the City Council is shown on a map and accompanied by a detailed description of the architectural character and special interest of the area supported by policies and objectives to assist in the future management of development proposals for the area. The ACA document for each ACA is available online: https://www.dublincity.ie/archaeologyconservation&heritage/architecturalconservationareas

There is a presumption against the demolition or substantial loss of a structure that positively contributes to the character of the ACA except in exceptional circumstances where such loss would also contribute to a significant public benefit. In such exceptional circumstances, a proposal for demolition or substantial demolition will be considered having regard to the provisions of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011). Where it is proposed to demolish a structure that contributes to the character of an ACA or to demolish behind a retained façade, the onus is on the applicant to make the case for demolition.

Dublin City Council will consider the effect both on the character of the area and any adjacent protected structures. When it is proposed to demolish an undistinguished building in an ACA, the proposed replacement should not be of lesser quality or interest than the existing one, and should not adversely affect the character of the area.

In considering a proposal for demolition, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed replacement integrates exemplary principles of sustainable design.

Priority Architectural Conservation Areas

Dublin City currently has 24 Architectural Conservation Areas and further ACAs will be considered for designation over this development plan period. Sixteen ACAs have been identified for prioritisation following careful consideration of the aspects required to identify areas for protection under an ACA, as set out in Chapter II, Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and expanded upon in Chapter 3 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011). These 16 ACAs and any others considered necessary at any time, will be progressed over the development plan period subject to a prioritisation programme to be agreed as part of the implementation of the development plan and the availability of resources.

Priority ACA projects (in alphabetical order)

• Aungier Street
• Brú Chaoimhín & Environs
• Ceannt Fort
• Collins Barracks, Arbour Hill & Environs
• CIE Estate Inchicore
• Grove Park
• Harold’s Cross
• Henrietta Street
• Iveagh Gardens, Crumlin
• James’s Street/Thomas Street (west end)
• Marino
• Moore Street
• Parnell Square
• Rialto Court & Environs
• Stoneybatter
• The Tenter’s

Areas of Special Planning Control

An Area of Special Planning Control (ASPC) is all, or part of, an Architectural Conservation Area which is considered to be of special importance to the civic life or the architectural, historical, cultural, or social character of a city or town in which it is situated.

The legislation relating to ACAs and ASPCs is contained in Chapter II of Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

Two Areas of Special Planning Control have been created for Dublin City Centre, O’Connell Street and Environs ASPC and Grafton Street and Environs ASPC. The designation of these ASPC’s allows Dublin City Council to specify development objectives for the preservation or enhancement of the area that would further strengthen its designation as an ACA. Dublin City Council monitors and reviews the schemes over a six year period and may by resolution, amend or revoke the scheme as necessary.

[1] Section 2.21, Chapter 2, Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011).

[2] See Chapter 13 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) for guidance on determining the curtilage of a protected structure.

Figure 11-1: The Evolution of Dublin

11.5.3 Built Heritage Assets of the City

These include heritage assets such as conservation area land use zonings, mews structures, vernacular buildings, 20th century heritage, industrial heritage and street furniture, which may not be protected structures but which contribute significantly to the streetscape and to the character of the city.

Z2 and Z8 Zonings and Red-Hatched Conservation Areas

The Z8 Georgian Conservation Areas, Z2 Residential Conservation Areas and red-lined Conservation Areas are extensive throughout the city. Whilst these areas do not have a statutory basis in the same manner as protected structures or ACAs, they are recognised as areas that have conservation merit and importance and warrant protection through zoning and policy application.

Designated Conservation Areas include extensive groupings of buildings, streetscapes and associated open spaces and include (parts of) the medieval/walled city, the Georgian Core, the 19th and 20th century city, and the city quays, rivers and canals. The special interest/value of Conservation Areas lies in the historic and architectural interest and the design and scale of these areas. Therefore, all of these areas require special care in terms of development proposals. The City Council will encourage development which enhances the setting and character of Conservation Areas.

As with Architectural Conservation Areas, there is a general presumption against development which would involve the loss of a building of conservation or historic merit within the Conservation Areas or that contributes to the overall setting, character and streetscape of the Conservation Area. Such proposals will require detailed justification from a viability, heritage, and sustainability perspective.

Buildings of Heritage Interest Including Mews and Vernacular Buildings

Many of the older buildings and structures in the city, whilst not included on the Record of Protected Structures or located within an Architectural Conservation Area, or Conservation Area, make a positive contribution to the historic built environment of the city.

The retention and reuse of these buildings add to the streetscape and sense of place and have a role in the sustainable development of the city. There will be a presumption against demolition of individual structures of vernacular or historic/ social interest that contribute to the character of an area.

It is also recognised that mews buildings in the historic core of the city make a positive contribution to the historic built environment and provide opportunities to increase the residential population of the city. There are significant opportunities, including in the north and south Georgian cores, to improve and intensify residential stock through appropriate mews development. It is noted that in certain parts of the city, many mews sites have been developed for office accommodation and surface car parking. The regeneration and redevelopment of these areas for appropriate infill housing is encouraged. Detailed guidance on mews development is set out in Chapter 15: Development Standards.

Twentieth Century Buildings and Structures

It is increasingly recognised that there are exemplar buildings from the twentieth century that require recognition and protection. A number of these buildings have already been included on the City Council’s Record of Protected Structures.

Original social and architectural history research was commissioned by the Dublin City Heritage Officer, into the processes of modernisation in Dublin during the 20th Century, in the publications ‘More than Concrete Blocks, Vol. 1, 1900-1940’ and ‘More than Concrete Blocks, Vol.2: 1940-1972’.

Industrial Heritage

The sites, structures, complexes, landscapes, machinery, artefacts, and plant associated with manufacturing, transportation, communications, construction, public utilities, raw material extraction, and production, form our industrial heritage. The city’s industrial heritage is preserved both in visible structures and buried remains.

The scope of industrial heritage is vast, comprising a considerable quantity of site types that are highly diversified in terms of their purpose, design and evolution. Dublin’s industrial heritage is closely associated with the development of the city, encompassing sites and structures of engineering heritage related to the evolution of the city’s transport networks and public utilities, as well as its manufacturing heritage. It includes a number of sites of national and international importance such as the Grand and Royal Canals, the Great South Wall, the Pigeon House Power Station, the Guinness Storehouse, and the R&H Hall Grain Silo. It also includes sites/structures such as the city’s bridges, quays, railways, telephone exchanges, post boxes, and weirs.

Dublin City Council will implement and promote the Dublin Principles adopted jointly by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and The International Committee for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage (TICCIH) on 28 November 2011, as guiding principles to assist in the documentation, protection, conservation, and appreciation of industrial heritage as part of the heritage of Dublin and Ireland.

Protection of Historic Ground Surfaces, Street Furniture and Public Realm

Dublin is fortunate to still retain impressive areas of historic street surfaces such as granite kerbing, granite pavement flags, and granite and/or diorite setts, mainly but not entirely situated in the city centre. These, along with other important historic features in the public realm such as milestones, city ward stones, street furniture, water troughs, post boxes, lampposts, and railings, make a special contribution to our built heritage. These items are often an integral part of the urban landscape or provide significant historic references which contribute greatly to the character of an area, especially where they complement the architectural features of protected structures, Architectural Conservation Areas and Z2, Z8 and red-hatched Conservation Areas (see also Appendix 6).

The city also has a legacy of historic advertising and trader names fixed or painted onto a range of buildings and gables; many of which are iconic and add value to the public realm. It is the intent of the Council that such signage should be retained and protected where possible.

11.5.4 Retrofitting, Sustainability Measures and Addressing Climate Change

The enhanced thermal performance requirements (Part L) of the Building Regulations do not apply to buildings included on the Record of Protected Structures. Notwithstanding such exemptions, and in the overall interest of promoting sustainability, the Council recognises the need to improve energy efficiency, provided that the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures does not harm or compromise the special interest of protected structures.

Retaining existing buildings, and seeking to enhance their energy performance in sensitive ways, is in keeping with building conservation, sustainability, and progress towards a low carbon society. This is in line with the Built & Archaeological Heritage Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan, prepared under the National Adaptation Framework 5.1.3.2, Objective 2, Development Management and Conservation Approaches for Changing Environments.

The City Council will expect consideration to be given to how environmental performance can be improved in all works which involve change of use, conversion, extensions or other refurbishment, including heritage assets. Improving environmental performance may include measures to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource use efficiency and minimise pollution and waste. For historic structures, simple measures such as draught proofing, energy and water efficient appliances, roof insulation, and repair and maintenance work can bring substantial improvements and have minimal other impacts, both visually and on historic fabric, and traditional construction.

The Irish Standard publication ISEN 16883:2017: ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage- Guidelines for Improving the Energy Performance of Historic Building’ 2017 sets out a systematic procedure to assist decision-making in the context of upgrading the energy efficiency of the historic building stock. The use of this standard is not limited to buildings with statutory heritage protection but applies to historic buildings of all types and ages. The standard presents a normative working procedure for selecting measures to improve energy performance, based on investigation, analysis and documentation of the building, including its heritage significance. The procedure assesses the impact of those measures in relation to preserving the character defining elements of the building.

Regard should also be had to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s publication on Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings (2010) and any future updates, and also the 2018 publication Deep Energy Renovation of Traditional Buildings by the SEAI, The Heritage Council, Carrig Conservation Ltd. and the ICOMOS, Ireland National Scientific Committee on Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change.

Reuse and Refurbishment of Historic Buildings

The inherent sustainability of retention and adaptive reuse, compared with the whole life energy costs and waste impacts that result from demolition and replacement, is acknowledged.

Sympathetic maintenance, adaptation and reuse can allow architectural heritage to yield aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits even when the original use may no longer be viable. Conservation can be recognised as a good environmental choice as the reuse of buildings rather than their demolition contributes to sustainability through retaining the embodied energy of buildings and reducing demolition waste. Conservation also supports employment and skills, and provides for good quality jobs for artisans.

The South Georgian Townhouse Re-Use Guidance Document commissioned by Dublin City Council (March 2019) sets out a range of possible solutions for the adaptation, densification and conversion of some typical Georgian town houses. Notwithstanding the fact that the study is based on the South Georgian Area, it is intended that the guidance principles are transferrable to other Georgian areas of the city and indeed, to some Victorian typologies also. (https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2021-03/sgtrg-report-rev-03_2019.pdf)

Also useful to owners of older residences, including historic houses and protected structures, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has published a free online guide to conservation and renovation, ‘Old House, New Home’, which offers guidance and advice on repairing and reusing historic buildings. (https://www.riai.ie)

Separate Access to the Upper Floors of Buildings

In order to ensure that historic buildings in their entirety are retained in productive use, it is essential to maintain upper floor access. The existence of separate building frontage (or side) access multiplies the re-use options available for buildings. The reinstatement of upper floor access will be sought, where this is feasible, based upon an assessment of the quality of ground floor (e.g. commercial) unit configuration and frontage. The City Council may also consider joint access arrangements favourably where single unit reinstatement is not feasible and reasonable.

11.5.5 Archaeological Heritage

Dublin City has a rich archaeological heritage. It has a recorded history of human settlement of over 9,000 years, centred along the line of the River Liffey. There are significant upstanding monuments of archaeological interest across Dublin’s city centre including the ancient city walls, castles, churches and graveyards, and the River Liffey’s quay walls. As with other European capital cities, Dublin also has important subsurface archaeological remains that represent the history of the development of the city from its origins through the medieval period right up to modern times. Mesolithic fish traps were excavated at Spencer Dock, while an exceptionally well-preserved Viking town was uncovered at Wood Quay. There are over 600 shipwrecks recorded in Dublin Bay and the River Liffey. Many additional wrecks whose precise location is unknown, are also likely to be present. The industrial heritage of the city c.1750-1950 survives in areas such as St. James’s Gate. The European Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage (1992) was ratified by Ireland in 1997. The archaeological heritage of the city is protected by the National Monuments Act 1930-2004 and comprises:

• Recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Record of Monuments and Places.
• Registered sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Register of Historic Monuments, as established under Section 5 of the National Monuments Act, 1987.
• National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship.
• National Monuments, which are the subject of Preservation Orders.
• All previously unknown archaeology that becomes known (e.g. through ground disturbance, fieldwork or the discovery of wrecks or sites underwater).
• Wrecks over 100 years old and archaeological objects underwater, irrespective of their age or location, are protected under the National Monuments Acts. Wrecks, though less than 100 years old, as well as sites or areas around sites or archaeological objects, due to their historic, archaeological or artistic value, can also be protected by means of designation through placement of an Underwater Heritage Order (UHO). See https://www.archaeology.ie/underwater-archaeology/planning-and-development for further detail in relation to planning and development and

:http://www.archaeology.ie/underwater-archaeology /wreck-viewer for the relevant mapping information.

The 2019 publication Built and Archaeological Heritage Climate Change Sectoral Adaption Plan, prepared under the National Adaptation Framework by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht sets out an approach to responding to the challenges climate change poses to the built and archaeological heritage.  The plan is framed by five goals –

1.To improve understanding of each heritage resource and its vulnerability to climate change.

2. To develop and mainstream sustainable policies and plans for climate-change adaptation of built and archaeological heritage.

3. To conserve Ireland’s heritage for future generations.

4. To communicate and transfer knowledge.

5. To exploit the opportunities for built and archaeological heritage to demonstrate value and secure resources.

Dublin City Council fully supports the goals and aims of the adaptation plan and will work with key stakeholders to this end.

Dublin City Council recognises the key role the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have and will continue to work with the Department to promote the protection of the city’s archaeological heritage, including seeking funding through the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) to implement the policies and objectives of the plan by supporting owners and custodians (including Dublin City Council) of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

The document ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ (1999) emphasises the importance of ensuring that full account is taken of archaeological considerations in the wider planning and development process.

Figure 11-2: Dublin’s Historic Core

Figure 11-3: Location of Dublin City Walls, Remains and Features

Record of Monuments and Places

The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. Structures, features, objects or sites listed in this Record are known as Recorded Monuments. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) consists of a published county-by-county set of Ordnance Survey maps, on which monuments and places are marked by a circle or polygon, and an accompanying book for each county listing the monuments and places. It should be borne in mind that the circle or polygon does not necessarily define the extent of the monument or place. Much of the area of the core of modern Dublin City is designated in the RMP as ‘Historic City’ including the remains of the city walls and individual monuments that have been identified within the medieval walled town and around its environs.

The RMP does not include all known archaeological sites and monuments, given that further such sites and monuments are found on an ongoing basis. For that reason, it is important (in the context of considering proposed development) to take account of all information available on the Historic Environment Viewer (HEV) available at www.archaeology.ie. The HEV will provide information not only on those archaeological monuments included in the statutory RMP, but also in regard to many more which have been identified since the RMP was issued. Such newly identified monuments will appear on the next revision of the RMP. RMP sites outside of the historic city are shown on Maps A-H.  RMP within the historic city area (DU018-020) are shown on Map L.  Appendix 6, Section 4.4 of this Plan lists the National Monuments in State care.

The qualities of archaeological and architectural interest are not mutually exclusive and certain structures may appear on both the Record of Monuments and Places and the Record of Protected Structures.

The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valetta 1992) requires that appropriate consideration is given to archaeological issues at all stages of the planning and development process, and this is reflected in national legislation. The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) recognises that proper planning and sustainable development includes objectives for the protection of the archaeological heritage.

Applicants with development proposals proximate to sites listed within the RMP are encouraged to consult with The National Monuments Service at an early stage in order to ascertain any specific requirements that may be required to protect the site in question. In urban areas, Monuments and Places listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), as Established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, can provide challenges to development and regeneration, as well as providing opportunities for understanding our past.

For clarity, the development plan map of Monuments and Places listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), as established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, is based on the statutory RMP map (1994).

Development proposals for sites listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) as established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, should be subject to pre-planning discussion and applications accompanied by an archaeological assessment. The planning authority may apply conditions relating to archaeology to individual permissions. These requirements are carried out on behalf of a prospective developer by an archaeologist and funded by the developer. Under the planning system, many minor works do not require planning permission (exempted development). However, if the type of works proposed affect a National Monument or a site included in the RMP, then the owner or occupier undertaking the works must comply with the notification requirements under the National Monuments Acts.

For National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local authority, or which are subject to a preservation order, the prior written consent of the Minister is required for any interference with the monument, under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended).  Shipwrecks over 100 years old and archaeological objects found underwater are protected under the National Monuments (Amendment) Acts 1987 and 1994. The Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland includes all known wrecks for the years up to and including 1945.

The policies and objectives below are intended to identify, preserve, conserve, raise awareness of, and provide access to Dublin City’s rich archaeological legacy.

11.5.6 City Heritage Plan

Dublin City’s heritage is part of our identity and contributes significantly to our wellbeing and our sense of place. It encompasses our built, archaeological, natural and cultural heritage (tangible and intangible). The City Heritage Plan provides strategic support to the City Council and other stakeholders by delivering or contributing to a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving the management, understanding and appreciation of our city’s heritage. The preparation of a City Heritage Plan enables a collaborative approach to identifying projects and programmes to be implemented over a five-year time span.

The City Heritage Plan identifies new ways to research, support and manage our heritage, and identify opportunities to engage communities across the city and suburbs with our built environment, archaeological monuments and cultural heritage.

It set out priorities to identify, enhance, and increase awareness of Dublin’s heritage in the specific areas of the historic built environment.