published in G. Smith, P. Messenger & H. Soderland (eds.) Heritage Values in Contemporary Society, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, 2009. (http://www.lcoastpress.com/book.php?id=279)

This papers explores the conception and definition of 'heritage' in contemporary society. It critiques the engrained tree-model for heritage relationships and suggests alternative ways of understanding the relational phenomenon of heritage in contemporary societies ripe with conflict and dissonance. It takes Irish heritage policy and the recent Tara-Skreen Valley conflict as a case study - exploring heritage policy, legal frameworks and philosophical assumptions involved.