UNESCO world heritage site status for Holy Island – Inis Cealtra

In querying Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan tonight on what progress has been made by the Government in obtaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Holy Island / Inis Cealtra, which I have pressed for over a number of years, I was surprised to learn that the Minister “was not aware of the particular place”.

This is despite her Department previously including the site on the UNESCO world heritage site tentative list and having the responsibility to secure designation. I will continue to raise this matter with Government, and if necessary, I will take the matter directly to UNESCO.