Sir - There has be considerable correspondence in your paper concerning the heritage value attached to Ireland's churches. The statutory Heritage Council recognises fully the importance of this heritage and under Section 11(1) of the Heritage Act (1995) the Heritage Council may cooperate with and provide assistance and advice to any person or body - in respect of any matter which is related to the performance of its functions as it considers desirable."
In offering any advice, the council draws on the wide expertise available to it, and intends that, those seeking or being given the advice view it as beneficial to the conservation of Ireland's heritage as a whole. On a number of occasions advice has been sought and given, which has resulted in a more considered approach to specific proposals being adopted.
On a very practical note, the council has established an ecclesiastical committee and is co operating with church bodies throughout Ireland on a survey aimed at recording all aspects of church heritage. In addition, in February of 1997 it will hold a seminar involving those with particular expertise, as well as with the practical responsibility for our churches. Details on the seminar proceedings will be published and made available, not only to those in attendance, but also to the public at large. Yours, etc,
Chief executive,
The Heritage Council,
4-5 Harcourt Road,
Dublin 2.