Capitalising on our natural heritage

FROM old walkways in Drimoleague in west Cork, to wild flowers on Valentia Island, Co Kerry, heritage and the natural environment are being used increasingly to create jobs.

Research announced at a Heritage Council conference has shown that our built heritage already supports more than 30,000 jobs and contributes more than €1 billion to the economy. It is one of the few areas that, linked to tourism especially, could generate more employment.

Heritage is not traditionally recognised as a job creator or a productive sector, but the research commissioned by the council shows it supports employment in tourism, agriculture, forestry, and culture, as Heritage Council chief executive Michael Starrett pointed out.