11 - Built & Cultural Heritage

Chapter 11 - Built & Cultural Heritage

County Kildare has a rich and diverse heritage, which includes landscapes, countryside, archaeological sites and the built environment of towns and villages. Heritage is integral to the identity of any county. It provides the county with a strong sense of place, character, and distinctiveness. Heritage protection is an integral part of sustainable development, it has environmental and quality of life benefits and brings significant economic benefits.

Much of our built heritage is clustered in our towns, and the restoration and re-use of derelict or under-used buildings can provide for a variety of innovative uses, such as housing, education, arts, and cultural spaces. While the active use of built heritage is a key element for the revitalisation of our town centres, the protection and conservation of buildings, structures and their settings, as protected structures, and archaeological monuments, will continue to be a key element in built heritage policy.

See Chapter 11