The OPW’s “unnecessarily bureaucratic and stuffy approach” has cost Co. Louth the opportunity to showcase one of the most extraordinary heritage sites in the country across the globe.
That’s the opinion of Aontú rep Michael O’ Dowd who says he is stunned and shocked that Dowth will not be used for the set of The Traitors and as a result will miss out on being seen by millions of TV viewers.
He says
“Dowth forms part of the internationally significant Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, alongside Knowth and Newgrange, and lies just outside Drogheda. Featuring the site in a major television production could showcase Dowth, Drogheda and the wider Boyne Valley to a huge national and international audience, generating valuable interest in our history, heritage and tourism offering.
It is disappointing that the producers of did not initially receive approval for their proposed filming at either Knowth or Dowth. While discussions reportedly continued around a more limited arrangement at Knowth, the refusal in relation to Dowth reflects an unnecessarily bureaucratic and stuffy approach.
The OPW’s restrictive attitude contrasts with the great work being done by the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Netterville, where the public is being encouraged to visit, engage with and appreciate this remarkable historic and natural landscape.
Any filming at Dowth would, of course, have to respect the archaeological importance and sensitivity of the site and operate under strict conditions. However, the answer should not automatically be “no.” The OPW should engage constructively with the programme’s producers and explore whether a carefully managed arrangement can be reached.
Our heritage must be protected, but it should also be shared. The OPW needs to lighten up, adopt a more imaginative approach and do its part to support tourism in Drogheda, County Meath and across the wider Boyne Valley.
This was an opportunity to showcase one of Ireland’s most extraordinary heritage sites to a huge audience. It should not be lost because of an overly bureaucratic, rigid and cautious attitude”.
