Monday 9 December 2013

Architectural surveys for Cavan & Monaghan published

Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has launched the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Surveys of Counties Cavan and Monaghan.

The surveys are available online on the Department’s Buildings of Ireland website and are accompanied by illustrated books: An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Cavan and An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Monaghan. These are the 29th and 30th books to be published in the series, and mark an important milestone in compiling the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

Arising from the surveys, the Minister has recommended that 770 structures of architectural heritage value in County Cavan and 1,257 structures in County Monaghan be included in each county’s Record of Protected Structures.

Each county boasts a wealth of architectural heritage dating from the medieval period up to the present day. The surveys, which cover an array of religious, industrial, residential, civic and commercial buildings, significantly contribute to an understanding of the history and development of counties Cavan and Monaghan. Their rich architectural legacies include impressive public buildings, fine railway stations, imposing country houses, and simple cast-iron post boxes and water pumps. The surveys will be of interest to family historians who want to learn more about the places where their ancestors lived.

Launching the two books, Mr Deenihan said: “If historic buildings are to survive as our legacy to future generations, they will have to be adapted to cater for the changing circumstances and needs of their present owners and users. The challenge is to manage change without sacrificing the intrinsic character of the building.”