September 2004 Edition

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Martin Cullen, T.D. launched the publication "Local Authority Archives in Ireland" produced by the Local Authority Archivists Group in the Visitors Centre, Custom House, Dublin on 24 June, 2004.  The Minister said that this is an extremely timely and useful publication, well-produced by the professional archivists working in local authorities throughout the country.

"Local authority archives are valuable," the Minister said, "as they provide insights into the development of both local government and life in their locality over the last few centuries. Local archive services also contribute towards raising the level of heritage awareness in society at large."

The Minister pointed out that legislation passed in recent years beginning with Section 65 of the Local Government Act, 1994 was instrumental in protecting and safeguarding local archives. Section 65, which has since been superseded by Section 80 of the Local Government Act, 2001, requires local authorities "to make arrangements for the proper management, custody, care and conservation of local records and local archives and for inspection by the public."

Financial assistance towards the cost of the project was provided by the Heritage Council. The publication will be circulated free of charge to all local authorities, public libraries, secondary schools, universities, local history societies and other relevant bodies in the coming months.