National heritage conference calls for creation of Climate Risk Register for Heritage
‘Heritage Horizons’ opens in Dublin with address by An Taoiseach and keynote from Iarla Ó Lionáird
A major national conference on the future of Ireland’s heritage is taking place today (01.05.25) at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin. Hosted by the Heritage Council, ‘Heritage Horizons: Pathways to the Future’ brings together leading experts, policymakers, and sectoral leaders to discuss the economic, environmental, and cultural challenges and opportunities facing Ireland’s heritage.
With climate change now posing a significant and growing threat to Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage, the Heritage Council is today calling for the creation of a National Climate Risk Register for Heritage. This register would be a crucial first step in identifying the heritage sites, landscapes, and cultural assets most vulnerable to climate impacts, and in informing targeted, strategic mitigation and adaptation efforts at both local and national levels.
Opening the conference, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, said: “Ireland’s heritage is central to our identity and sense of place – it connects our communities, strengthens our society, and shapes how we see ourselves in the world. But it also faces significant challenges, including the impact of climate change on our natural and built environment. The Government is committed to addressing these through sustained investment and targeted policy development, ensuring heritage continues to contribute to our economic, social and environmental wellbeing.”
The conference explores three core themes – the economics of heritage, identity and heritage, and climate and heritage – and examines how Ireland can better integrate heritage into national decision-making in areas such as economic growth, social cohesion and climate resilience.
Speaking at the conference, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said: “Heritage is not only at risk from climate change – it is also part of the solution. While rising temperatures, extreme weather, coastal erosion and increased rainfall already pose significant threats to elements of our national heritage – from coastal sites and wetland habitats to traditional building stock – heritage also offers powerful tools for resilience. Traditional skills, nature-based solutions and cultural knowledge can help strengthen climate adaptation and support Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future.
“However, without coordinated action, we risk losing irreplaceable parts of our heritage and the benefits they provide to our communities and environment. That is why we need the Government to take decisive steps, including the development of a Climate Risk Register for Heritage, to ensure a strategic and effective response to the growing risks posed by climate change.”
Next steps for heritage policy
Renowned singer and composer Iarla Ó Lionáird is delivering the conference’s keynote address, setting the stage for a series of panel discussions featuring leading national and international experts (see details below).
As part of the conference’s discussions, the Heritage Council is advocating for action on several key policy priorities, including:
Establishing a Heritage Research Unit within the Heritage Council, as committed to in the current Programme for Government. This unit would provide robust data on the economic and social impact of heritage, strengthening the case for investment and ensuring evidence-based policymaking.
Reviewing the Heritage Act 1995 to reflect Ireland’s evolving heritage landscape, particularly the need to better protect intangible cultural heritage, biodiversity, and digital heritage.
Providing greater resources to local authorities to lead community-driven heritage and climate adaptation initiatives.
Establishing dedicated Heritage Teams within local authorities to mainstream best practices in heritage management nationwide.
Emphasising the urgent need for an integrated approach to heritage policy, Ms Teehan added: “Heritage is not just about the past; it is a living, evolving part of our present and future. As Ireland faces significant challenges – from climate change to social cohesion – we must recognise the potential of heritage to drive inclusive economic development, bring communities together, and play a key role in climate action.
“Today’s conference is about setting a course for the future of heritage policy in Ireland – one that places heritage at the centre of national decision-making. If we fail to act now, we risk not only losing parts of our heritage but also missing out on the opportunities it provides.”
ENDS
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