OK #IrishHeritage, let’s look on the bright side of our new ministerial allocation (frankly, shock, disappointment & anger get us nowhere). Firstly, at least this time we feature in the ministry name without having to shout loudly to remind the world of our existence. THREAD>>>

Those involved in many community & conservation projects know that a lot of funding is admin’d at #localgov level, often by busy heritage officers. EVERY county should have a #heritageofficer–and #countyarchaeologist! Can we effect change in these areas being in with #localgov?

Planning has a clear relationship with #commercialarchaeology, not just when it comes to massive infrastructure such as dealt with admirably by @TIINews. Again, it is often a local issue with local heritage impacts. Being in the same Dept could be a good thing.

You don’t see any relevance of heritage to the housing problem? Our urban centres are full of empty living spaces, over shops etc, often in old buildings. Lets get heritage and conservation professionals working together with planning to do something about this!

#Heritage is a valuable tool in #urbanregeneration. It has a role in creating a sense of pride in our locality. Just look at the fantastic projects run out of @HeritageHubIRL - @irishwalledtown , @AaMIreland etc

Obviously we are going to overlap with other departments, not least @cathmartingreen’s Dept of everything including tourism and culture. #Museums in particular could be seen to have fallen between two stools – or have they fingers in both pies???

The role of #heritage in #irishtourism is so obvious that it is at risk of being taken for granted. Again, local communities frequently care for and promote local heritage. How many interpretation panels, maps and leaflets are funded by County Council community heritage grants?

Obviously tourism and heritage is a massive national issue too. Many of the most popular tourist destinations are vulnerable heritage sites. @opwireland sites are of vital importance to both tourism and our national pride and identity! Let's look after them.

I’m emphasising heritage on the local stage here but this department is responsible for our NATIONAL heritage too and the national institutions must be properly funded or the entire house falls down. @NationalMons and @NMIreland together form the mothership of #Irisharchaeology

#Heritage is relevant to all our lives in ways we might not even realise. So I say, nice to meet you @DaraghOBrienTD. Looking forward to meeting challenges and effecting positive change in the #heritagesector within @HousingPress. #heritageisrelevant END THREAD>>>