Scattery UNESCO application could take years

IT will take several years to make any progress in relation to plans to establish Scattery Island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The idea was first mooted in 2012 and was also discussed at the January meeting of Kilrush Town Council, when the newly established Scattery Island Heritage and Tourism Forum attended that meeting.
At last week’s town council meeting, Councillor Tom Prendeville asked for an update on progress in the application to have the sixth century monastic settlement designated as a UNESCO site.

In reply, Siobhán Garvey, Kilrush Town Council Marketing and Development Officer, said a site must first be included on what is called the national tentative list. The tentative list is an inventory of sites a country intends to consider for nomination to the World Heritage List. The last Irish lists were reviewed in 2008 and 2009.

Following public consultation it was submitted to UNESCO in March 2010. It replaced the previous list, which was drawn up in 1992. A site has to be on the tentative list for at least a year before it can be nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List.

“It should be acknowledged that the Burren has made it onto both Irish lists in 1992 and 2010 but has still not moved since despite much work in this area,” Siobhán Garvey noted.

“There is considerable work and time involved in the preparation of nomination documentation and a management plan for a property. This stage of the process, together with public consultation, takes at least two years,” the marketing officer added.

“There is a strong desire to develop and promote Scattery Island and the creation of the Scattery Island Heritage and Tourism Forum has been a contributing factor to this. The island will host a Gathering event on July 5 and 6, which should further raise the profile of the island. I would suggest that this project should be part of the forum’s work agenda with the support of Kilrush Town Council and Clare County Council. I will liase with this group and see how the project can be developed in the coming months,” she promised.

However, Councillor Prendeville maintained that the UNESCO application for Scattery Island should be progressed.

“It would raise the historic profile of that hallowed ground and result in increased pilgrim numbers visiting the acclaimed seat of piety and learning established by St Senan in 544 AD,” Councillor Prendeville predicted.

“In order to quality for UNESCO designation, the application would have to meet strict criteria. In my opinion, the sixth century monastic settlement at Inis Cathaigh qualifies on all points. The sooner we submit our application, the better for all concerned,” he advised.