Cork city and harbour in world heritage status bid

THE Government is to submit an ambitious proposal that could lead to world heritage status for Cork city and its huge natural harbour.

A detailed document has been prepared outlining the reasons why the city and harbour deserve the coveted United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) status.

If successful, it could see them join an exclusive list of world heritage sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Acropolis, the Taj Mahal, the Giant’s Causeway and Stonehenge.

While the process of ratification could take several years, Passage West-based Green Cllr Dominick Donnelly said efforts should start now to build momentum in support of the application.

He plans to table a motion for discussion on the issue at the next meeting of Passage West Town Council. Similar motions will be table at Cobh Town Council, and at Cork city and county councils.

“It is important that all relevant organisations in the city and harbour area inform themselves of this application, and support it in whatever way they can,” said Mr Donnelly.

“The designation of Cork city and harbour as a UNESCO world heritage site would help the region achieve the global renown it should have.

“The story of Cork city and harbour is of global significance, as a provisioning port, and a point of departure for the Irish diaspora whether for emigration or deportation to penal colonies, and as a significant naval base.

“Much of the infrastructure that supported this history is still in place, with the naval base at Haulbowline, Spike Island, the harbour forts, and all the commercial infrastructure in the city, such as the Port of Cork buildings and the Butter Market,” he added.

The application was co-ordinated by Pat Ruane of Cork City Council, using contributions received from various organisations including Meitheal Mara and UCC’s Coastal and Marine Resources Centre following a series of meetings in January.

It has been submitted to the Department of the Environment and it is hoped that officials will in turn have it ready for presentation to it the World Heritage Committee at its annual meeting, which takes place this year in Seville in July.

The committee, which meets once a year, will consider adding Cork city and harbour to what’s known as UNESCO’s tentative list — sites governments around the world would like to be considered for designation as world heritage sites.

Ireland already has two fully-fledged world heritage sites — the “archaeological ensemble” of the Bend of the Boyne, which was designated in 1993, and Skellig Michael, designated in 1996.

The Government submitted an incomplete list for inclusion on the tentative list in 1992. The sites included the Killarney National Park, Northwest Mayo Boglands, Clonmacnoise, the Western Stone Forts, Cashel, Clara Bog, the Burren and the Ceide Fields.

The Cork city and harbour bid will be included in an updated government list for inclusion on UNESCO’s tentative list.