Speaking today Deputy Andrews said, "I warmly welcome this announcement, which without doubt will enhance Dublin’s appeal as a cultural tourism destination. However, I believe that on foot of this recognition it is critical the Ireland works ensure that Dublin receives full UNECSO World Heritage site recognition."

"Last March the new Tentative List for World Heritage site status was approved by the Minister for the Environment and submitted to UNESCO. The Historic City of Dublin and its Literary Tradition, was one of the sites nominated by Ireland. I understand that a property must be on the Tentative List of a State Party for a year before it can be nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List and only one site can be nominated from this list per year."

"While I know it is intended that Clonmacnoise be the first site to be formally nominated from the list, in light of this recognition from UNESCO I believe that Dublin should be given priority on the tentative list, in order to capitalise on UNESCO’s obvious regard for Dublin’s literary heritage."
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