County Clare’s Industrial Heritage To Be Studied In Architectural Survey

The local authority’s Conservation Office, with the assistance of the Heritage Council, is presently conducting a scoping and desktop survey with a view to commencing the field survey over the coming weeks.

Structures to be surveyed will principally be those that have had an industrial function or provided employment in the past for the people of Clare.

The list of structures includes mills, mines, lime kilns, waterwheels, distilleries, canals, locks, horse drawn and steam pumps, forges, hydraulic rams, generators, ice houses, corn stores, bridges, brick pits, slate quarries, railway structures etc..

Commenting on the survey for Clare County Council, Mr. Risteárd Ua Cróinín, Architectural Conservation Officer, stated, "There is no doubt that County Clare has an impressive industrial landscape that it has largely been untouched by development. This is likely to change, however, due to the pressure of development and deterioration of buildings. That is why it is imperative that we make records of as many structures of heritage importance as possible."

He continued, "It is hoped that the project will culminate in the compilation of a comprehensive published survey (hardcopy and electronic) of all coastal structures, industrial heritage structures and stone roofed structures in County Clare. This work will pull together all previous work carried out in these areas and provide baseline information about these otherwise little known aspects of the county’s Architectural Heritage."

"Members of the public who are aware of any item or structure that should be included in the Industrial Heritage survey should contact us immediately. The assistance of the public or interested groups would be greatly appreciated and will contribute to the formulation of this unique project", concluded Mr. Ua Cróinin

It is estimated that the survey will be completed by November 2008.

Information may be forwarded to Risteard Ua Cróinin, Conservation Officer at 065 6846407, email ruacroinin@clarecoco.ie or Gráinne O’Connor, Conservation Research Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis. Telephone: 065-6846380 or email gaoconnor@clarecoco.ie.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)