Local authorities may set up and support forums (groups) where elected councillors and community, voluntary and heritage groups work together to develop heritage plans and identify priority actions to manage local heritage.
The Carlow Heritage Forum was established and had its inaugural meeting in May 2022 in Visual Carlow. The Heritage Forum is an essential part of the workings and success of the Carlow Heritage Office, as it guides and works with the Heritage Officer in the production and delivery of the County Heritage Plan ensuring the plan encapsulates the aspirations and needs of the communities. The members of the Heritage Forum are kept informed of changes in local and national policy, funding opportunities and projects being managed by the Heritage Office. Each meeting consists of a round table discussion, where members can report about their own heritage related projects and heriateg related matters/issues that arise.
The Heritage Forum, Chaired by Cllr. John Murphy, consists of a Elected Representatives; Representatives of Departments of the County Council; PPN; Teagasc; Birdwatch Carlow; Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS); Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO); Carlow Chamber of Commerce; Coillte; Carlow Tourism; Carlow Museum. The Forum meets four times in a calendar year, with two of the meetings taking places around the county. The mid-year meetings aim to discuss issues relevant to the needs of the heritage of Carlow are addressed through site visits by way of information gathering and engagement with members of the community.
Currently, the Heritage Forum are working with the Heritage Officer to produce the Carlow Heritage Plan. The pre-draft consultation was completed in late 2022 facilitated with funding from the Heritage Council.