Press Release

Derry to Join New Network for Walled Towns

12th May 2005

A branch of the international Walled Towns Network Group has been formed to safeguard the future of walled towns across the Island of Ireland. Local authority delegates representing 15 Irish walled towns (North and South) met in Athlone Castle last week to form the new networking group that will develop and co-ordinate conservation and management plans for Ireland's
unique walled towns.

The project is being led by the Heritage Council which wants to unite local authorities and communities from all parts of the country in an effort to protect and enhance our walled towns for current and future generations.

Alison Harvey, Planning and Development Officer with the Heritage Council said:
" There are very low levels of awareness about Ireland's walled towns - they are a wonderful link to our past, help to create a unique 'sense of place' and offer great tourism potential.

"Most people would be surprised to know that there are 52 walled towns in Ireland. They are unique assets and most walls tell the stories of the communities who lived in the town from past to present. It is important that we develop a 'Shared
Vision' for the future of these towns that will let them reach their potential as cultural and tourism venues."

Representatives from Derry City Council and Waterford City Council outlined the benefits of managing and promoting walled towns for tourism. The Walls of Derry have recently been identified as a 'signature tourism project' and are to be developed and promoted as one of the main tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.

Mark Lusby from Derry City Council outlined the benefits of protecting the walls for local communities as well as for tourism.
" Waterford City Council in partnership with the Waterford Treasures Museum has initiated a highly successful environmental improvement programme to highlight the physical route of the walls and their critical role in the overall development of Waterford. The Network aims to learn from the experiences of Waterford and Derry and to develop similar tourism opportunities for Walled Towns throughout the country."

The new Walled Towns Network has formulated a draft 3 Year Action Plan setting out recommendations for the protection and development of Ireland's walled towns. Recommendations relate to: conservation plans, development guidelines, campaigns to raise awareness and levels of appreciation amongst local communities and recommendations to develop the tourism potential of Irish walled towns. A copy of the Final Action Plan will be available in early June 2005.

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