Cork city and harbour in world heritage status bid
The Government is to submit an ambitious proposal that could lead to world heritage status for Cork city and its huge natural harbour.
A detailed document has been prepared outlining the reasons why the city and harbour deserve the coveted United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) status. If successful, it could see them join an exclusive list of world heritage sites - including the Great Barrier Reef, the Acropolis, the Taj Mahal, the Giant's Causeway and Stonehenge.
While the process of ratification could take several years, Passage West-based Green Cllr Dominick Donnelly said efforts should start now to build momentum in support of the application. He plans to table a motion for discussion on the issue at the next meeting of Passage West Town Council. Similar motions will be table at Cobh Town Council and at Cork city and county councils.
The application was co-ordinated by Pat Ruane of Cork City Council, using contributions received from various organisations - including Meitheal Mara and UCC's Coastal and Marine Resources Centre following a series of meetings in January. It has been submitted to the Department of the Environment and it is hoped that officials will, in turn, have it ready for presentation to it the World Heritage Committee at its annual meeting, which takes place this year in Seville in July.
The committee, which meets once a year, will consider adding Cork city and harbour to what's known as UNESCO's tentative list - sites that governments around the world would like to be considered for designation as world heritage sites.
Ireland already has two fully-fledged world heritage sites - the 'archaeological ensemble' of the Bend of the Boyne - which was designated in 1993 - and Skellig Michael, designated in 1996.
The Government submitted an incomplete list for inclusion on the tentative list in 1992. The sites included the Killarney National Park, Northwest Mayo Boglands, Clonmacnoise, the Western Stone Forts, Cashel, Clara Bog, the Burren and the Ceide Fields.
The Cork city and harbour bid will be included in an updated government list for inclusion on UNESCO's tentative list.
