Dun Ailinne UNESCO mooted

The local ancient royal site of Dun Ailinne could become part of an Irish UNESCO World Heritage site if ideas being progressed by the Department of the Environment come to fruition.

The concept was outlined at a public meeting last night in the Town Hall, where suggestions on a 'tentative' list of new WH sites were presented.

It was emphasised that the 'Royal Sites' concept was still only at the local discussion 'draft tentative' stage, behind other proposals such as Clonmacnoise which is likely to be firmly nominated during this year. The Burren in Co Clare is also ahead of the Royal Sites in the nomination stakes.

Brian Lucas from the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government told the meeting that UNESCO was trying to limit the number of WH sites, one reason why a 'serial' nomination of the combined Royal Sites was being considered.

Local historian Des Travers suggested that the Curragh Plains be incorporated in the nomination with Dun Ailinne, which he described as 'the most pristine' of the sites. He noted that the Curragh, as an integral part of the Dun Ailinne hinterland at the time of its greatest importance, is already a protected area, and a 'living' cultural entity.

Nessa Dunlea, chair of Kilcullen Heritage Group, said that Kilcullen was 'very proud' of Dun Ailinne. She noted that a replica of the site had been built at the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park in Kilcullen, and that as long as the landowner of the hill was happy with the idea of it being put forward as a World Heritage site, the community was.

Brian Lucas, replying to a question about the landowner's rights, said that any public access to the site would be on the basis of a management plan agreed with the owner and the local heritage organisation.

Other heritage groups who attended the meeting included advocates of the Tara complex, and, more locally, people concerned about the ongoing destruction of the Hill of Allen for road materials.