Heritage conference is held in Fermanagh

The importance of the province’s built heritage came under the spotlight at a built heritage conference in Fermanagh on Friday.

Minister of the Environment Sam Foster launched the conference entitled ‘Investing In Our Heritage Towards Sustainable Prosperity’ in Belcoo.

The aim of the conference attended by around 80 delegates was to raise the profile of Northern Ireland’s historic buildings and to maximise their economic potential through an effective tourist-related marketing strategy.

Themed around investment the conference looked at ways in which we may invest in the built heritage – investment in terms of time, money, energy and ideas.

Mr Foster said: "It is important that we focus clearly on our built heritage and how we can invest in our historic buildings for the benefit of present and future generations.

"Far too often our legacy of historic buildings has suffered a terrible fate at the expense of so-called development and it is both refreshing and encouraging to see so many of you here today to focus on ways in which we can invest in our built heritage.

"The DOE continues to invest in Northern Ireland’s built heritage through the ongoing survey of historic buildings, and by providing grant-aid and professional advice and guidance to owners.

Summing up the Minister thanked the Belcoo & District Historical Society for its “foresight and enthusiasm” in organising the conference.

He said that he hoped that the important messages highlighted by the conference’s speakers would encourage society to treasure Northern Ireland’s historic buildings. (SP)