Brian Hayes Launches Major Volunteering Scheme

The Office of Public Work has today launched a nationwide advertising campaign seeking expressions of interest from local heritage/community groups who may be interested in becoming a partner.

Brian Hayes TD said: "For whatever reason Ireland has never involved voluntary effort in the presentation of our heritage. Unlike many European countries where volunteers are an essential part of heritage tourism, we have been slow to formalise the involvement of community groups in our national heritage. This will change under my time as Minister."

The Minister went on to say "the potential of volunteering and Irish heritage has never been organised at a national level. As the lead agency with the responsibility in preserving and presenting our heritage, we need the help of local community and heritage groups."

The Minister continued: "Building on the success of the free day initiative launched by the OPW last year, I want by this summer to have at least 25 partnerships in place between the OPW and various organisations. Since coming into office I have been impressed by the enormous interest that exists locally in the heritage sites that are under the control of the OPW.

"I am constantly met by groups who want greater opening times, more local involvement or who have plans to develop tourism locally by using our national monuments and national properties. We need to work with these groups. A new partnership needs to be formed between the OPW and local volunteering effort. There are of course challenges for the OPW in this but I’m convinced that this organisation has the expertise and know how required."

(GK)