Exciting New Initiatives Outlined For World Famous Burren Region In 2008

The developments include the provision of information hubs at various locations throughout the Burren, designated viewing points for tourists, an information booklet for hospitality businesses in North Clare and South Galway, new car parking facilities at the world famous Poulnabrone Dolmen and a website dedicated to enabling people to discuss Burren-related issues.

The Burren Connect Project was established in 2006 with funding from the Fáilte Ireland Development Scheme Fund, in partnership with Clare County Council, Shannon Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service and Burrenbeo.

The reporting structure of the project is to a Steering Committee, made up of representatives from the funding bodies. An Advisory Committee, comprising a range of people from various communities and sectors in the Burren, works on a voluntary basis to advise the project team. The creation of this group was discussed at a public meeting held in Kilfenora in July last year. A number of names were put forward during and after this meeting, and the first committee meeting was held in
September 2007.

According to Ms. Carol Gleeson, Project Manager, Burren Connect Project, "The project team is currently finalising the delivery of a number of programmes on information provision and education, traffic management, conservation and access at Poulnabrone and Fanore, market research, and investigating the suitability of the Burren for designation as a Geopark."

She added, "In 2008 the team will continue focusing efforts on education, training, socio-economic research, development of trails, traffic management, conservation and amenity projects, and ongoing monitoring and management of developed areas."

Ms. Gleeson indicated that the ongoing participation of members of the public in the project remained vitally important to its overall success.

"The issues surrounding the protection and sustainable use of a landscape are complex and multiple. A truly sustainable approach to tourism can only be achieved with involvement and contribution from local communities. Thus, an important part of the Project’s remit is to facilitate such contributions. The project will continue to hold public consultation meetings on issues that have a direct impact on communities in the Burren", she explained.

Recent public meetings organised by the Burren Connect Project have concentrated on such issues as traffic management on the Coast Road, signage and branding.

"Future meetings will be advertised in local newspapers, parish newsletters and on local radio. They will also be posted on the new project website, which will feature a dedicated discussion area, where people can offer suggestions and feedback in an open public forum. The website will be launched in April of this year. You are invited to contribute; your involvement is helping to shape current elements of this project, and will also help shape its future", concluded Ms. Gleeson.

All queries relating to the Burren Connect Project should be forwarded to the Project Team of Carol Gleeson, Project Manager at 065-7072296/cgleeson@burren.ie; or Eimer McCarthy, Technical Officer at 065-7072295/emccarthy@burren.ie.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)