Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, is calling on local community groups in Cork to get involved in a new initiative from the Office of Public Works (OPW) aimed at getting volunteers more involved in how we present and promote our heritage.

"The busy summer tourist season is just a few months away, so now is the time to start thinking innovatively about how we present and promote our tourism product. There is a great array of fantastic sites right across the country, which can act as a huge draw for visitors. Now, the OPW is hoping to get community and heritage groups involved to ensure we are making the most of our local heritage sites.

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"The Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes TD, wants to have at least 25 partnerships in place nationally between the OPW and local organisations by this summer. This is an entirely new departure for the OPW; up to now there has been no major volunteer effort in how we present our heritage, despite the fact that this is the norm across Europe.

"Cork has a huge array of beautiful heritage sites that already attract thousands of visitors each year, including Doneraile Court and Park, Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill, Cobh Heritage Centre and Youghal Heritage Town. The acquisition of both Mallow Castle and Annesgrove Gardens in Castletownroche is also at an advanced stage. I’m sure local community and heritage groups have plenty of great ideas on how the potential of these sites, and other historical amenities and monuments, can be maximised. At a time when there is no extra money to extend opening hours at heritage sites or increase the guide service on offer, we need to be innovative in our thinking."

(CD/GK)