Context 163 - March 2020

C O N T E X T 1 6 3 : M A R C H 2 0 2 0 29 Ireland set up in 2002 to bring together local authority conservation personnel and provide a forum. The AACO allowed an exchange of technical information on principles and best practice between individual members or with institu- tions, agencies and organisations. To me the value of the association is in supporting each other within the role, and collaborating in bring- ing about change. At the end of my 19th year as an architectural conservation officer it is particularly important to work in partnership with others, both within my organisation and externally. As with all professions, the journey provides lessons for those in the role since its creation, and those new to the role. One of the main lessons I have learnt is to see the bigger picture. I am lucky to have a really good working relationship with my colleagues in the planning department and architectural services, my role being somewhere between architecture and planning. Questions such as ‘why have I stayed in this role for 19 years?’ led me to reflect with my colleagues, leading to the idea of organising a facilitated workshop on the role of architectural conservation officers, with creativity and new vision in mind. The workshop was held with the support and organisation of Nessa Roche, senior architectural advisor at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and funding from the department. Its theme was to consider and strengthen the architectural con- servation officer role, and understand its value. It created positive energy, clarity and direction towards strategic actions and a common goal. Our stakeholders’ workshop identified clear areas of priority to progress the role of architec- tural conservation officers. The key areas were communication, engagement with professional cohorts and the public, cooperation, collabora- tion, knowledge sharing, upskilling and the creation of efficient work practice. We now have a clear path and vision to ensure effective imple- mentation of legislation; enhanced conservation and level of protection of the built heritage; increased understanding of conservation among key players; and efficient grant administration. We continue to lobby for increased funding for the protection and conservation of our historic built environment. With continued funding from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, we provide financial assistance to owners of pro- tected structures and homeowners living in architectural conservation areas. There has been a significant increase in the delivery of small conservation projects, ensuring good conserva- tion repair and supporting traditional skills. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund are running again in 2020. One of the main work areas of the local authority ACOs is the operation of the grant schemes. This includes evaluating applications, issuing provisional approval and conditions for the proposed works, assessing quality of repair works and paying the grant. The launch of Reimagine Tallaght’s Melt the Walls project (Photo: Irenie McLoughlin)