The evolution of urban conservation in Ireland: evidence from Dublin city

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed significant improvements in attitudes towards urban conservation in Ireland. This is reflected, for instance, in the legislative framework and in the planning system. However, in order to understand where the 'heritage sector' stands today in relation to conservation of the built heritage, and where it should be destined in the future, it is crucial to recognise its history. This paper provides an overview of the temporal developments in urban conservation in Ireland since the 1950s, with particular reference to Dublin City. It reviews the development of the legal framework for built heritage protection, financial incentives for conservation, and the role of national, local and voluntary bodies engaged in built heritage management. The paper is based on research, which employed a cross-cultural study, using Dublin and Stockholm as case studies, of the ways in which societies define and protect the built heritage and how this changes over time (Negussie, 2002). It also deals with the broader structural context within which conservation actions are carried out, e.g. political economy, society and culture. The data was drawn from a broad spectrum of relevant documents and in-depth interviews with key people in the conservation and heritage sectors.