The Architectural Heritage Survey of West Cork and the associated book, 'An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of West Cork' has been launched by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The book is the twenty-sixth to be published in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) series. At the launch, Minister Deenihan said “the people of West Cork can be extremely proud of the rich and varied architectural heritage of their part of Ireland’s largest county.”

A total of 2,836 structures in the West Cork NIAH survey are rated as being of regional or higher architectural importance. Under planning legislation, Minister Deenihan will be statutorily recommending to Cork County Council and to the town councils in West Cork that these structures be included in the Record of Protected Structures.

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The Minister spoke in some detail about the variety and depth of West Cork’s rich architectural heritage, giving examples such as Bantry House; the industrial architectural heritage of the 19th century copper mining at Allihies; vernacular architecture such as traditional farmhouses and heritage street furniture such as cast-iron water pumps and post boxes.

Minister Deenihan referred to the inclusion of lighthouses in the survey, noting those at Bull Island, Galley Head and especially Fastnet remarking that “it is an iconic West Cork structure and a testament to the skill and dedication of those involved in its construction in the late 19th century.”

The Minister concluded with thanks to everyone involved in completing the survey and preparing the publication. In particular, he thanked all the owners and occupiers for allowing a record to be made of their properties for the survey saying “I want to pay tribute to the landowners who gave access to their properties to allow this important work to be undertaken.”

(BMcN)