Minister O’Sullivan seeks views from the public on the Mid-term Review of Heritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage strategy
- Published on: 7 April 2026
- Last updated on: 7 April 2026
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (April 7) launched a public consultation as part of Mid-term Review of Heritage Ireland 2030, Ireland’s national heritage strategy.
Heritage Ireland 2030, originally published in 2022, sets out a framework for the protection, conservation and management of Ireland’s heritage to the end of the decade. Under its three core themes ‘Communities’, ‘Leadership’ and ‘Partnerships’, it places heritage firmly at the centre of local and national spaces, places, stories and society.
As committed to under the plan, the Department is carrying out a mid-term review of the strategy and the Minister is now seeking the input of the public and stakeholders to inform this work. The aim of the review is to ensure that the strategy, along with its goals and actions, is still relevant and continues to reflect the objectives, priorities and passion for built and natural heritage across the country.
Urging the public to engage in the consultation process, Minister O’Sullivan said:
“In a fast-changing world, Ireland’s heritage is one of our greatest national assets. It gives character and life to our countryside, towns and cities, sustains the bonds between communities and generations, supports well-being and contributes to local economies. This is why the opportunity to engage with the public on this draft Mid-term Review of Heritage Ireland 2030 is such an important milestone.
“Our national heritage strategy was born out of a very wide public consultation in 2021 that received over 2,000 submissions and demonstrated just how much heritage is valued by communities. Now, as we reflect on what’s been achieved since publication in 2022 and look to the future, it’s vital that we hear from the public again, take stock and consider the factors that will shape the implementation of the strategy over the rest of its lifetime. I’d like to encourage everyone with an interest in Ireland’s heritage to take this opportunity to share your views and help us ensure that the widest possible range of perspectives are heard.”
Through the public consultation, the Department is looking for feedback on the results of the review and the draft revised Heritage Ireland 2030 action plan.
The final published mid-term review document will sit alongside Heritage Ireland 2030. Its findings will complement the principles, aims and understandings set out in the strategy. Feedback and comments will be used to develop the final version of the plan, which will be published before the end of the year. A revised action plan will form the basis for reporting under the strategy over its remaining lifetime, starting with reporting in 2027 on activities carried out in 2026.
ENDS
Notes to Editor / Further Information
Submissions can be made using the online EUSurvey public consultation form here.
The deadline for comments and feedback is 5pm on Friday, 15 May 2026.
Heritage Ireland 2030
For more on Heritage Ireland 2030 see here.
Key achievements of Heritage Ireland 2030
The review of Heritage Ireland 2030 aims to takes stock of key achievements across the sector since 2022, which include:
- Increased government support for heritage at national and local level, including award of over 2,000 grants to support local monuments and historic structures, and support for over 500 biodiversity projects;
- Increased supports and heritage action by local authorities to develop and celebrate local and community heritage. This vital work has been underpinned by ongoing development of Local Authority heritage teams in all 31 local authorities;
- Increased numbers of events that celebrate and share heritage across the country, including over 6,000 National heritage Week events since 2022;
- Increased access to heritage in schools, with a year-on-year rise to c. 90,000 children reached by the Heritage in Schools programme in 2024;
- Increased access to physical and cultural heritage. As well a growth in online and digital access, this also includes visits by 5.5 million people to national parks and nature reserves in 2023 and in 2024.
- Strengthened partnerships that support protection, conservation and management of heritage. These partnerships reflect the complex heritage ecosystem that strengthens and protects heritage across the country. This ecosystem is built on the networks of heritage groups, programed and projects. It draws together public and private bodies, communities, heritage organisations, research institutions, the business and farming communities.
- Four annual Heritage Ireland 2030 Summits have been held to date. This year’s Heritage Ireland 2030 Summit will be held in Dublin on 30 October 2026. The Annual Summit is a wonderful celebration of Ireland’s heritage and of those who advocate for it, care for it and enjoy it. This annual event is attended by heritage professionals in Government Departments, agencies, local authorities, community and heritage groups and members of the public.