In line with UNESCO advice that World Heritage Tentative Lists be reviewed at least every ten years, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage launched a call for applications in January 2019 to create a new Tentative List of World Heritage Properties in Ireland with a deadline for applications to be submitted by 30 June 2021. The Department received six valid applications to join the new Tentative List by the deadline:
1. The Cultural Landscape of the Burren Uplands, County Clare;
2. Iniscealtra (Inis Cealtra / Inishcaltra / Holy Island), County Clare;
3. Trans-Atlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia, County Kerry-Heart’s Content, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada;
4. Royal Sites of Ireland, Counties Kildare, Westmeath, Tipperary, Roscommon and Meath
5. The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; and
6. Glendalough Valley, County Wicklow.
Over the coming weeks, the EAG will evaluate the six valid applications based on the ability of each of those applications to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, integrity and/or authenticity, long-term protection and management frameworks, and evidence of local stakeholder support. It is intended that the EAG will complete its evaluation and make recommendations as to which properties should be considered for inclusion on a new Tentative List by early September.