Approaches to the past in the present : a discourse analysis of the Phoenix Park conservation management plan

Abstract: This thesis investigates the challenges of managing urban heritage sites in today's rapidly evolving society. The management of such sites must adapt to meet the changing needs of society while preserving their historical and cultural value. One such site is Phoenix Park, located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. The urban park, with its vast size and rich cultural heritage, is a historic landmark essential to the country's history and identity. For Phoenix Park to remain an urban green oasis and a vital part of Ireland's heritage, its management must balance commercial development and recreational use with preservation efforts. The study aimed to provide insights into the values and discourses surrounding heritage management and how they interact in the context of Ireland. Adopting a qualitative approach, the Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan was examined through discourse analysis to identify activated discourses, their core values, and their interactions. The results reveal parallel discourses on heritage, shaped by shared and opposing perspectives on managing the past. These perspectives can be reconciled by finding common ground with bridging values. This study's significance lies in its contribution to the broader field of heritage management by providing insights into the discourses shaping heritage management in Ireland. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers could use the study's implications to develop better tools and guidance to manage heritage effectively, involve local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, and embrace a more comprehensive understanding of heritage values.