The Irish Heritage Trust has unveiled its 10-year strategy, which is underpinned by a vision to secure the future sustainability of Ireland's built and natural heritage, and through active participation to create lasting connections between communities and the special properties in its care.
Details
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD was on hand to launch the Irish Heritage Trust's Strategic Plan 2023-2033 at the historic No. 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is set to embark on a €5.2 million conservation-led refurbishment, funded by philanthropic support and the Project Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). Established in 2006, the Irish Heritage Trust is now a leading national organisation with four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and Strokestown Park House & The National Famine Museum, Roscommon.
The Irish Heritage Trust works as a partner, collaborating with national and local government, as well as corporate and private owners, to conserve, manage, sustainably develop and interpret built and natural heritage. The Trust actively encourages community participation which is evident in the growing volunteering programme across its properties; over 300 volunteers across a range of activities and a strong and growing membership with 8,000 members regularly visiting its properties. Over the next decade, the Trust's ambition is to expand its heritage portfolio in conjunction with public and private partners, sustainably developing and sharing Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage and ensuring its viability for future generations to enjoy.
In setting out its strategic objectives for the next ten years, the Irish Heritage Trust will work to progress and elevate public support for protecting and bringing to life heritage properties while continuing to diversify the profile of Trust volunteers and visitors. Another key objective is to become the trusted organisation and first choice for donors and others who support and cherish Ireland's heritage.
Statements
"I am delighted to acknowledge the significant achievements of The Irish Heritage Trust over the last 10 years and to launch its new plan for the next 10," said Minister Noonan. "This new Strategic Plan expands and sharpens the Trust's focus on sustainability at every historic property in the care of the Trust.".
The minister went on to say "It is wonderful to be here today in the heart of Dublin at No. 11 Parnell Square where the Irish Heritage Trust will soon commence important conservation work with grant support from the Project Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) scheme under my Department. I look forward to seeing this historic building being conserved and reinvigorated for generations to come."
Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, said, "Today we celebrate the growth that has been achieved as we look back over the last 10 years, not just in terms of the heritage portfolio in our care but also in terms of the deeper and broader engagement with the communities we serve. We work with every part of society and are deeply committed to active engagement with our staff, volunteers and visitors. The independence of our organisation provides legitimacy to our activities in the areas of philanthropy and community engagement, and we are grateful for the continuing support of our funding partners, government, colleagues, communities as we look towards the next 10 years."
"We are passionate about creating a lasting connection between people and these special places," said Clare McGrath, chairperson of the Irish Heritage Trust. "The work of the Trust would not be so successful without the active participation of our volunteers and visitors. It is therefore with great ambition and optimism that we approach the next decade, a period in which we will focus on expanding the network of properties in our care and will bring them to an ever increasing and diverse community of members, visitors and volunteers."
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