Draft Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

‘nobody lives in Dublin, they live on Cork Street, or in Phibsboro, or in dolphin’s barn…’

Dublin is a city made up of historic and modern, urban and suburban districts. It is a collection of streets and estates, of town centres, school catchment areas and local shops. Dublin is home to many communities; communities of place, faith, culture and interest. Each of those communities has its own network of organisations, supports and social outlets.

It is an aim of the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan that Dublin continues to be a vibrant city of neighbourhoods and communities, and that communities are facilitated to propose and implement the heritage projects that they wish to see happen, with the support of the Heritage Office.

On an administrative level, Dublin City is subdivided into five administrative districts or local areas: Central, North Central, South Central, North West and South East. Each of these has its own area offices and council-supported infrastructure.

It is an aim of the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan to engage effectively with existing community and council networks within the five local areas in order to provide local access to heritage services and to deliver heritage projects with real local impact.

Dublin is a city of layers and complexity. By enabling a community-led, locally-focused approach to heritage projects that is more ‘ground-up’ than ‘top-down’, this strategic heritage plan aims to acknowledge that complexity.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal.

1. Produce a toolkit for the development of local heritage projects in partnership with area offices, including information on how to access existing council-produced resources and interpretative materials.
2. Support heritage participation and engagement through the development of community-led local heritage plans, co-created and implemented with local community groups and supported by the city council.
3. Develop an annual local heritage grant scheme to support cultural heritage activities identified in local heritage plans.
4. Support community-led projects (from communities of place and of interest) and work collaboratively with existing community organisations, building on and learning from the important work that they are already doing.
5. Support capacity building projects and events within communities of place and interest, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience between communities.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• Pilot local area heritage plans are implemented in each of the five local authority areas.
• An annual local heritage grants scheme is in place, aimed at funding smallscale non-capital heritage actions within local communities.
• Community groups, study groups, heritage project participants and other stakeholders are provided with the tools to develop their own local heritage plans, using participatory community-led processes.
• Communities are supported to develop and lead heritage project in their area.
• Communities are supported and encouraged to participate in built, archaeological and cultural heritage activities.
• There is increased participation by Dublin-based community groups and custodians of heritage sites in national community heritage schemes.
• Increased community engagement with heritage creates increased community wellbeing.
• Links are in place with creative Ireland and arts-based funding organisations, within and outside of council, to encourage a creative approach to community-led heritage projects.

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

Dublin is a city of many voices and a city of many stories. Historically, some of those voices and some of those stories have been heard more than others. This strategic plan seeks to address that imbalance by making room for a much greater variety of voices within conversations about Dublin’s heritage, and by actively challenging accepted narratives - seeing old stories from new perspectives, and seeking out new stories that have not yet been told.

In many ways the history of Dublin is the history of inward migration. From the earliest settlers, to the Vikings, Normans, through the period of British rule, to more recent arrivals, the population of Dublin has seen successive waves of expansion and change. Each of those waves bringing with it new cultures and heritages that have become part of the heritage of Dublin as a whole.

This goal in particular acknowledges the principles of the Faro’ Convention on The Value of Cultural Heritage to Society - namely, the fundamental right of everyone to have their cultural heritage respected and the fundamental responsibility on everyone to respect the cultural heritage of others. And the acknowledgment that aspects of heritage may be valuable to different people and to different groups of people for different reasons.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal.

1. Develop thematic and multidisciplinary heritage projects that include intangible cultural heritage as an integral component. Support thematic projects that explore concepts and practices that are common to all traditions.
2. Work with partner organisations to support community-led heritage projects from historically marginalised communities.
3. Support projects that view existing heritage resources in a new light or from a previously unexplored perspective. Allow for projects that challenge existing heritage narratives.
4. Support projects that explore the heritage of communities of interest and community-based action.
5. Support projects that explore the long history of inward and outward migration to/from Dublin.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• The range of projects supported under the heritage plan has expanded to include the heritages of diverse Dublin communities, both historic and current.
• A number of carefully-managed thematic projects - exploring basic human themes that transcend era or background, such as food culture, ritual, burial etc. - have been initiated.
• The heritage of historically marginalised groups is represented among the projects produced under the remit of the strategic heritage plan.
• The heritage of communities of interest is represented among the projects produced under the remit of the strategic heritage plan.
• Oral history and intangible heritage are recognised as integral to Dublin’s heritage.
• Projects that explore a crafts-and-labour-based history of architectural heritage, as distinct from the history of architect and patron, are supported.
• Projects that explore Dublin’s relationship with colonialism are supported.
• Projects that explore community-based activism and the heritage of community spaces are supported.
• Internship and training opportunities are identified within partner organisations.

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

From as early as the Mesolithic era (7,500-4,500bc) Dublin has been a centre of human activity. It was an internationally-important Viking port, Ireland’s first town, a medieval walled city, a colonial capital and the birthplace of the modern Irish state. Dublin has embodied the major social changes of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and Dublin today is a major European capital; a city of many communities, many languages and many stories. There is a lot that we already know about Dublin’s heritage; and there is a lot that we have yet to discover.

In some cases - in the field of archaeology, for instance - a large amount of research data exists, which has either not been organised, not been made accessible, or both. In other cases - in the many fields of intangible cultural heritage, for instance, or in understanding the heritages of immigrant communities in Dublin - little data exists. In the relatively well-researched field of architectural heritage, there are subject matter areas that have yet to be fully explored.

The new Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan aims to consolidate what we already know by organising the information that already exists, evaluating it and making it accessible to as many people as possible; it aims to add to our existing knowledge by commissioning new research; and it aims to broaden community participation in generating and exploring heritage knowledge.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal. 

1. Build on the success of the previous heritage plan to progress existing built, archaeological and cultural heritage research projects and to identify new ones.
2. Continue to identify and collect baseline built, archaeological and cultural heritage data (basic research, thematic surveys and reports) and to archive this data according to best practice guidance.
3. Collaborate with strategic partners to: carry out reviews of existing data and research, to identify gaps and emerging themes; put research strategies in place for individual subject areas; and to review funding opportunities for built, archaeological and cultural heritage-focused research, at national and international level.
4. Support and develop projects that allow for the collection of oral histories, social memory and personal or family artefacts.
5. Support and develop projects that illustrate the contribution that built, archaeological and cultural heritage can make to sustainability, including the unsustainable development goals, and to addressing the impacts of climate change.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• Existing ongoing research projects such as Built to Last, The 20th Century Architecture Project, Dublin City Industrial Heritage Record and Places of Worship are progressed and expanded.
• The county Dublin archaeology GIS dataset continues to be updated on a 5 year basis, in partnership with the Dublin local authorities, the Heritage Council, the National Museum of Ireland, and The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland. 
• Key historical excavations in Dublin City are fully reported.
• Environmental archaeological data is retained and archived.
• New research interests have been identified, based on meaningful community collaboration.
• Research strategies for high-research-focus subject areas are in place.
• Work has been initiated with partner organisations to review existing oral history collections, identify gaps, develop new collections and make those accessible. 

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

Enabling greater access to heritage emerged as a strong theme from the consultation process for this strategic heritage plan. This was centred around three distinct concepts of access:

1. Universal access - that heritage places and heritage resources must be fully accessible to users of all ages and abilities.
2. Access to heritage data - that the heritage data produced using public funds must be made freely and publicly available.
3. Social and cultural barriers to access - that the principles of cultural democracy and participation must be embedded into the design and implementation of all heritage projects and by all heritage organisations.

Everyone has the right to access environmental information that is held by public authorities and to participate in environmental decision making (Aarhus convention, 1998) and everyone has the right to benefit from cultural heritage, contribute to cultural heritage and have their own cultural heritage respected (faro convention, 2005). The new Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan seeks to ensure that all projects carried out under its remit reflect those rights.

It is a goal of the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan that accessing Dublin’s heritage should be easy and barrier-free for everyone.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal.

1. Build on projects implemented under the previous heritage plan to continue to make heritage data available as an online resource. Work with existing and new geospatial platforms as required to map published and unpublished heritage data.
2. Ensure that access and issues relating to access are fully considered in all built, archaeological and cultural heritage projects carried out under the remit of the strategic heritage plan.
3. Collaborate with groups and individuals who have experienced barriers to accessing or celebrating heritage to identify ways in which improved access can be achieved. Work with groups and individuals to develop tailored opportunities and supports.
4. Develop and support projects and initiatives that value and embrace intangible cultural heritage, including the heritage of living practices.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• A map-based online platform is in place, providing access to Dublin’s heritage data. This may be based on an existing online resource, such as heritagemaps.ie.
• Published material that is currently only available in hardcopy format is republished in more accessible form and made available online.
• Outreach initiatives are provided to people and groups who have experienced barriers to participation in mainstream or official cultural heritage activities.
• Training workshops are provided for people and groups who wish to learn the tools of local history and heritage research.
• A pilot internship programme on themes of intangible cultural heritage and the heritage of living practices is established in collaboration with key organisational partners.

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

Seen as a whole - the result of continuous occupation and change over thousands of years - Dublin may be considered our greatest monument on the island of Ireland. Like any historic monument, it demands careful and attentive management.

Dublin’s built, archaeological and cultural heritage is a dynamic, constantly evolving resource. This strategic heritage plan is committed to encouraging a whole-city historic urban landscape approach to heritage management - in which the city is considered not as a collection of individual heritage sites, but as a whole human environment, with all of its tangible and intangible qualities.

Strategic conservation management of vulnerable cultural heritage sites and areas within that environment can be achieved through the conservation plan and conservation management plan process. These are value-focused processes that bring all stakeholders together to identify a site or area’s significance, risks to that significance and to agree policies for implementation over time that manage change and safeguard significance. 

Through the Dublin City Heritage Plan 2002+ The City Council has so far prepared conservation plans for the city walls and defences, Henrietta Street, Saint Luke’s The Coombe, a draft plan for Pigeon House power station, and a conservation strategy for The Follies in Saint Anne’s Park. These plans in turn have provided a foundation for numerous other heritage-focused projects, developed as a result of implementing individual conservation plan policies.

The new Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan is committed to the ongoing implementation and review of these existing plans - by undertaking public engagement activities, new research and conservation works - and to the identification of new sites or structures that would benefit from the conservation plan process.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal.

1. Promote best practice in built, archaeological and cultural heritage in Dublin city, through guidance, and CPD-accredited training initiatives.
2. Continue to resource the review and ongoing implementation of existing conservation (management) plans and put funding in place to undertake and implement new plans for built, archaeological and cultural heritage places and sites in Dublin city. As part of this objective:
   1. Encourage the use of the conservation (management) plan process by both the private and community sectors for places and sites not in state ownership.
   2. Identify and record places or building typologies of particular interest or vulnerability in Dublin city, in both public and private ownership, that would benefit from the conservation plan process.
3. Identify threats to Dublin’s built, archaeological and cultural heritage as a result of climate change and as a result of climate adaptation measures. Provide guidance on the management of vulnerable heritage resources and advice on appropriate mitigation measures.
4. Encourage the participation of community groups in actively managing Dublin’s built, archaeological and cultural heritage, including participation in national community heritage schemes.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• Existing conservation (management) plans are fully implemented and new plans continue to be put in place by Dublin City Council and other parties.
• The conservation (management) plan process is the accepted foundation for managing heritage places and sites in Dublin city - whether these are in public, private or community ownership and care.
• The objectives of the built and archaeological heritage climate change sectoral adaptation plan are implemented.
• The city coastline and areas of historically-reclaimed land are mapped and documented and appropriate policies for managing change are in place.

Why this goal?

Where did this come from? What need is it addressing?

Dublin’s heritage - and the wealth of information that has been built up by the people and organisations who study it - is an extremely valuable resource. In order for as many people as possible to benefit from that resource, it must be communicated effectively.

Communicating heritage means making sure that everyone who wishes to know how to access heritage data and heritage research, as well as information about heritage resources, funding and infrastructure.

Communicating heritage means turning research data into knowledge - in the form of publications, online resources and other media - that can be used to inform tourism, economic, community development and educational activities.

Communicating heritage means promoting the national and international significance of aspects of Dublin’s built, archaeological and cultural heritage, including the international significance of Dublin’s Viking archaeology.

Communicating heritage means ensuring that the work of Dublin City Council in the heritage field (both within and outside the heritage office) and of the strategic heritage plan is clear, visible and accessible to all.

Strategic objectives

Objectives that will progress this goal.

1. Develop a dedicated Dublin heritage website to provide access to heritage information and data and to updates on the work of the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan.
2. Continue to disseminate high-quality information on Dublin’s built, archaeological, and cultural heritage through different means and media including exhibitions, pamphlets, publications, lectures and training.
3. Collaborate with strategic partners to develop quality approaches to the interpretation of local and national built, archaeological and cultural heritage, based on sound research.
4. Collaborate with strategic partners to produce and disseminate information that highlights the value of heritage to economic development, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
5. Support the development and interpretation of collections that are representative of Dublin’s artistic, built, archaeological and cultural heritage.

Outcomes

Measures of success

• A dedicated Dublin heritage website has been put in place.
• New publications have been produced on topics relating to Dublin’s built, archaeological and cultural heritage.
• An annual programme of events is in place, in collaboration with strategic partners. To include: lecture series, training courses, walking tours, exhibitions and other interpretative media.
• An event - and interpretative materials - to mark the millennium of Christchurch cathedral in 2028 has been planned and organised in collaboration with strategic partners and community groups.
• Clear, knowledge-based communication allows for effective heritage policy to be put in place, across a range of organisations.
• Clear, knowledge-based communication supports the work of other groups and individuals within council.
• The role of heritage in supporting cultural tourism is recognised and valued.
• The implementation of Dublin City Council’s collections management policy is supported and progressed.
• Dublin’s participation in the international Viking cultural route is supported.