This article is from page 12 of the 2006-06-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
AN APPLICATION to highlight the geological heritage and treasures of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher has been submitted to UNESCO and the European Geoparks Network to preserve the area’s geological heritage and provide a major tourism base for the west of Ireland.
Ireland currently has two designated Geoparks: the Marble Arch Caves/Cuilcagh mountain park in Fermanagh and the Copper Coast in Waterford.
The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Geopark application has been prepared by Clare County Council and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher GeoPark Committee, which comprises Shannon Development, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Clare Biodiversity Steering Group, Geological Survey of Ireland, Burren Outdoor Pursuits Centre VEC, and BurrenBeo Teo.
According to county council heritage officer, Congella McGuire, the establishment of The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Geopark will allow for the economic development of this area through the development of a branded image linked to the geological heritage and the development of Geotourism.
The application includes proposals geared towards the enhancement of existing visitor facilities and the development of other centres in the area. These include the upgrading of the Burren Centre in Kilfenora and the development of other educational and visitor resources.
“It is planned to target these and other facilities to include up to date information on the geology of the region. It’s hoped that the partnership and the proposed entity, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Committee, would be the ideal structure to secure funding to enable a geological input into any new developments”, said Tourism Council and Geopark Committee member, Paddy Maher .
“The New Visitor Experience currently under construction by Clare County Council at the Cliffs of Moher will further enhance the site”, he added.
Meanwhile, it has been proposed that the National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Rangers will monitor the sites while the proposed Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Committee will manage and co-ordinate all the geological developmental and presentational aspects proposed in the application.
The Committee will work in consultation with elected members of Clare County Council, the tourism sector, and local community groups. They have suggested in the application to the European Geopark Network that the areas surrounding the high Burren could be included in any future submission. Such areas would include the East Burren Wetlands and the eastern lowlands incorporating the villages of Ruan, Tubber, Boston, Kinvara and Gort.