Conservation "must take precedence" over public access to the megalithic passage tombs of the Boyne Valley, according to a management plan for Brú na Bóinne, published yesterday by Dúchas, the Heritage Service.
The five-year plan is designed to protect one of the world's most important archaeological landscapes, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993. The 3,300 hectare (7,290-acre) area includes Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
These passage tombs present a major conservation challenge, according to the plan. "While excavations have revealed features in and around the tombs, the work has also exposed them to new threats such as pollution, weathering and human impact.
"The artwork at the three passage tombs is unparalleled and its conservation is a major issue. A balance has to be struck between the obligation to present the World Heritage Site and its protection. Conservation must take precedence in balancing these twin aims."
The management plan pledges to monitor the effects of conservation works to date, as well as the effects of pollution, weathering and human impact on the decorated stones of all three tombs, "with particular attention being given to the entrance stone at Newgrange".
It also says that Dúchas will review the condition and vulnerability of all archaeological sites and monuments in Brú na Bóinne, and prepare a management plan for each site in consultation with individual landowners, who are being encouraged to make them accessible.
This is designed to relieve some of the pressure from the impact of tourism growth on the carrying capacity of the Boyne Valley visitor centre, which was opened in 1997 with the aim of relieving some of the visitor pressure on the passage tombs - Newgrange in particular.
Stronger legal protection for the World Heritage Site is also envisaged, including the registration of all recorded monuments in the area.
Dúchas says it will work with local farmers to encourage farming practices that "respect and preserve" cultural and natural resources.
The plan makes it clear that Meath County Council "must continue to adopt specific measures to protect the landscape in terms of maintaining and enhancing views and encouraging high design standards for permitted development" in the Boyne Valley area.
Dúchas is to designate an officer with responsibility for monitoring planning applications within the World Heritage Site.
While it has been the policy of Dúchas to advance the cause of protection by acquiring lands in the area, the plan says "a further acquisition programme in this regard is not envisaged", presumably because of Budget cutbacks.
Altogether, the plan proposes a total of 29 actions to be taken under the five broad headings of protection, conservation, presentation, research and general management. These include the provision of better signage and the reopening of a bus service from Slane.
