Burren World Heritage Site hopes raised

The Burren this week moved a step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site when it was named on Ireland’s new Tentative List being submitted to the organisation for consideration later this year.
If the Burren made it onto the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it would join places such as the Old City of Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kronborg Castle in Denmark and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Former Abbey of Saint Remi and Place of Tau in Reims.
Making it onto the UNESCO list would also increase tourism in the county, according to the body responsible for the promotion of the region. 
Mr John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, announced details on Wednesday of Ireland’s new list of potential nominees to the World Heritage List on which the Burren features.

The list has been submitted with a view to presentation to the World Heritage Committee meeting, scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 3 in Brasilia.
In announcing the new list, Minister Gormley indicated that he is satisfied that “the new list comprises those properties which are of outstanding universal value, meet the UNESCO World Heritage inscription criteria in terms of integrity and authenticity and have the best potential for future inscription on the World Heritage List”.
He said he was delighted to present the new Tentative List, which encapsulated the rich heritage and culture of Ireland.
Minister Gormley said Ireland has long recognised the importance of preserving diverse natural and cultural heritage. “Our heritage properties are our legacy, not just in Ireland but globally,” he said.
The minister added, “The nomination of any property from the new Tentative List for inscription on the World Heritage List will only take place after consultation with relevant stakeholders and interested parties.
“It is envisaged that such consultation will take place through a partnership established for each proposed nomination.
“Inclusion on the Tentative List is a particular badge of honour.
“We must remember our unique culture and heritage is one of our most valuable assets, which deserves to be shared internationally. Inscription on the World Heritage List allows us to showcase this asset. Inscription can also have its own reward and this can be by way of increased tourist numbers and the financial spin-offs associated with this,” the minister added.
The Burren features on the list, along with the Céide Fields and the North West Mayo Boglands, the monastic city of Clonmacnoise and its cultural landscape, the historic city of Dublin, early medieval monastic sites at Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Inis Cealtra, Kells and Monasterboice, the royal sites of Ireland at Cashel, Dún Ailinne, Hill of Uisneach, Rathcroghan Complex and Tara Complex, and Western Stone Forts.
Welcoming the announcement, tourism and marketing division manager of Shannon Development said, “Securing this prestigious status for the Burren would be a tremendous boost for tourism in the Clare area.
“The World Heritage List includes almost 900 properties worldwide and forms part of the cultural and natural heritage, which is considered as having outstanding universal value.
“Being added to this list would increase recognition and worldwide awareness of the Burren as a place of importance. As the tourism authority for the Shannon Region, it would assist us in our efforts to market and promote this wonderful location.”