How the past can give us the key to the future

VANDALISM of our heritage should be subjected to the most severe penalties.

We must not simply conserve and preserve – we must develop, educate and promote an awareness and pride in our past.

For decades past we have neglected the importance of local community involvement in heritage, although many community groups have done excellent work.

Too many buildings, monuments, archaeological objects and indeed entire landscapes, including flora and fauna, have been damaged through neglect and lack of protection. Our heritage is the totality of our historical inheritance.

Another aspect is ‘live’ heritage, for example, Moore Street, Dublin, and the Coal Quay, Cork, where traders from time immemorial have sold fish, vegetables, fruit and clothes.

Here in Midleton in east Cork each Saturday morning we have open-air farmers’ markets where people come from far and near to purchase and enjoy the fresh fruits of the earth and much more. Cloyne, also in east Cork, has a similar market each Friday, while Country Markets are in Midleton’s Church Lane also on Friday.

These markets should be seen as an integral part of our heritage and promoted as desirable for tourism.

If we are serious about retaining our heritage, we must allow time for such work to be carried out. By encouraging and restructuring the refurbishment of old buildings, the Heritage Council could create employment and improve tourism potential.

Many emigrants like to visit historic sites and buildings and they want them preserved. The maintenance of old cemeteries is important and local authorities can also pay a role in that regard.

It is always sad to see castles in a state of decline. There are many examples of castles and woodlands that have weathered the storms of centuries and are now derelict. Within our communities there are many voluntary bodies such as community councils, residents’ associations and other groups who perhaps could cooperate with post-primary schools with a view to submitting an action plan on art, heritage and culture in the communities.

Perhaps a pro-forma blueprint document could be provided by the Heritage Council to those communities and they would then return their action plans to that body. Over a period of years, with the limited funds available, facilities in the area of culture, art and heritage could be provided.

Cllr Noel Collins

‘St Jude’s’

Midleton

Co Cork