Work starts on conservation plan for Inishmurray Island
MOVES are afoot to develop a special conservation plan for Inishmurray, the 223-acre island off the North Sligo coast on which lies the remains of an important early Christian settlement and from which the last 46 residents departed on November 12th, 1948.
Although there are statutory protections for Inishmurray’s archaeological monuments and seabird colonies, Sligo County Development Plan now proposes to seek the designation of the island as a Special Amenity Area while the County Heritage Forum has appointed an expert team at the Institute of Technology in Sligo to develop an appropriate conservation plan for the island, which is located about 10 miles from Mullaghmore.
In addition, the library at IT Sligo proposes to curate an Inishmurray Collection which, in tandem with public consultation for the conservation plan, should provide the ideal impetus for people to search their attics, bottom drawers and photo albums for any items such as old photos, drawings, notes, press cuttings, records or memorabilia, perhaps even diaries they may have.
"Nothing is too recent or too trivial," according to Sligo’s local authorities. In addition, it has a special place in the hearts of the Sligo people who are descended from, or acquainted with, the islanders who left Inishmurray for the last time when it was evacuated in 1948.
Their houses remain, and the island is still privately owned by those families. The island is also noted for its flora, particularly its bluebells and yellow iris that grow in abundance. The ruins of its 6th Century monastery, founded by St. Molaise, are regarded by many to be among the best preserved in Ireland.
The designation of Inishmurray as a Special Amenity Area would impose certain constraints on any future development of the island but would also ensure its protection.
To get this process in motion, Sligo Heritage Forum appointed the Institute of Technology Sligo to assemble an expert team and to develop the conservation plan for the island. The team includes Mr. Jerry O’Sullivan, archaeology and team leader; Dr. Don Cotton, ecology; Mr. James Hanrahan, tourism; Mr. John Cronin, architectural heritage; and Dr. Jeremy Bird, coordinator, IT Sligo.
Consult
Mr. O’Sullivan points out that one of the core responsibilities of the team will be to consult with landowners, statutory bodies, other interested parties and the general public. As part of this, it is proposed to hold a public consultation event in The Pier Head Hotel from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Mullaghmore on Thursday, June 22nd .
A series of public consultations will be advertised in The Sligo Champion, but people wishing to participate may also register their interest by sending a card or email, with name, address and ‘phone number, to Ms. Sharon Eastwood, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council, or email: heritage@sligococo.ie
Sligo Champion 07/06/2006
By HARRY KEANEY