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Project title

How to measure landscape treasure? Historic Kerry designed landscapes: spatial analysis and planning policy

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Irish designed landscapes combine history, culture, climate, geology, topography, politics, economics, architecture, and human activity. They are dynamic and reflect the impact of human endeavour and culture on the wider environment. Ireland�s designed landscapes define our nation�s character, both rural and urban. Their conscious design combines utility and function and often contains an aesthetic component. Designed landscapes have, for centuries, brought the tourist to Ireland, tempted by views of a picturesque landscape that rivalled the best in Europe. Nationally, these designed landscapes are under threat, without specialist understanding and awareness to guide their management. The key research question is how can local government safeguard and improve the conservation of designed landscapes? Do we recognise them as places of significance today? This research proposes to use Kerry as a case study, to interrogate its design strategies and its key socio-economic and cultural characteristics, land use patterns, communication networks, natural environment and building and garden typologies. It will assess the relative significance of its designed landscapes at regional, national, and international level and will answer how they can be used creatively by the public. This PhD's contribution to original research lies in its innovative approach to using unpublished archives in addition to spatial and cartographic analysis to lead to new policy recommendations, concerning state inventories and county records of protected heritage. Its research methodology will be drawn from archival/historical methods applied to state online databases and mapping systems. Creating a new system to identify historic landscapes has the potential for universal application in other Irish local authorities. Directly linking my academic institution with local government can bring exciting new opportunities and insights into the thesis journey. The Kerry case study will become a national model to guide local government planning policy ensuring this research has a national impact.

Grant Approved

�82,500.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2025