4.12.7 Key issues: Cultural Heritage

The following key cultural heritage issues have been identified through the baseline review:

Many rural areas have a rich historic environment resource, comprising designated

and undesignated features, areas of distinctive historic landscape character, and

locations with a rich archaeological resource.

Many of these features and areas of heritage interest are under a range of pressures.

New infrastructure provision has the potential to impact on the fabric and setting of

heritage assets, through ground disturbance, and inappropriate design and layout.

Accessibility via active travel modes to cultural sites is a key challenge which is closely

linked to the sustainability of the visitor and tourism economy, and enhanced

awareness and understanding of the historic environment.

The transport network should avoid loss of or damage to heritage features and where

possible recognise and better reveal the significance of heritage assets into transport

infrastructure, providing opportunities for enhancing their fabric and setting.

There is a need to increase public awareness of the cultural value and social

significance of Ireland’s built heritage. New strategic cycle infrastructure has the

potential to connect people to the historic environment.

Prepared for: Transport Infrastructure Ireland AECOM

SEA of the National Cycle Network Plan SEA Environmental Report (Updated)