Tánaiste announces purchase of 1000ha of West Cavan upland habitat

Tánaiste Micheál Martin today announced an agreement by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to purchase almost 1000 hectares of upland habitat in County Cavan in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the world’s first cross-border Geopark.

The site, near Cuilcagh Mountain in County Cavan, will be managed to help the State meet its nature and biodiversity action plans, and significantly benefit the work of the Geopark.

Pictured at Tullydermot Falls County Cavan, against the backdrop of Cuilcagh Mountain, where An Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD announced an agreement by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to purchase almost 1000 hectares of upland habitat in County Cavan in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the world’s first cross-border Geopark, are (left to right): Brendan Smith, TD; Cllr Áine Smith TD; Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Tánaiste Micheál Martin, TD; Cllr John Paul Feeley, Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council; Brendan Jennings, Acting Chief Executive, Cavan County Council; Gráinne O’Connor, Manager, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. PHOTO: Adrian Donohoe.
Pictured at Tullydermot Falls County Cavan, against the backdrop of Cuilcagh Mountain, where An Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD announced an agreement by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to purchase almost 1000 hectares of upland habitat in County Cavan in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the world’s first cross-border Geopark, are (left to right): Brendan Smith, TD; Cllr Áine Smith TD; Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Tánaiste Micheál Martin, TD; Cllr John Paul Feeley, Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council; Brendan Jennings, Acting Chief Executive, Cavan County Council; Gráinne O’Connor, Manager, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. PHOTO: Adrian Donohoe.

Announcing the acquisition plans on a visit to the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark today, Tánaiste, Micheál Martin said, “Given the unique conservation value and remarkable concentration of upland habitats and species at this site, I am very pleased to announce that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has reached an agreement to purchase almost a 1000 hectares of land, which will allow them, and Cavan County Council, to support the aims of the Geopark, and protect the nature and biodiversity that is such a remarkable characteristic of this area.

“Through the Government’s Shared Island Local Authority scheme, we are supporting development of a Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark plan for biodiversity conservation, climate action and regenerative tourism. I look forward to seeing that work completed later this year and to a deepening cross-border partnership on the Geopark, for the benefit of communities in this unique cross-border landscape.

“Ownership of these lands on behalf of the Irish people will enhance important cross-border initiatives by local authorities and communities, and provide an unrivalled opportunity for the conservation of an exceptional range of protected upland habitat and species, thereby making a significant contribution toward the State's obligations in nature protection and biodiversity.”

Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall Ó Donnchú, said “I am delighted that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is partnering with Cavan County Council to deliver significant benefits for nature and communities in the Cuilcagh Lakelands area. The wonderful teams at the Geopark and the two local authorities in Cavan and Fermanagh, combined with the expertise and experience of the NPWS North Midlands Division, will be a powerful combination ensuring this landscape of such outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity is managed and shared for the benefit of the public and local communities for generations to come.”

Hailing the purchase agreement, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley said, “As a native of West Cavan, I am well acquainted with its beguiling landscapes and the abundant flora and fauna to be found around the slopes of Cuilcagh. I am also keenly aware of the need to safeguard this crucial piece of Ireland’s natural history, and so I am pleased that An Tánaiste has announced that the National Parks and Wildlife Service will now act as custodian of this 1000 hectare habitat. This purchase will further build on the excellent work achieved by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council through our shared UNESCO Geopark, and will preserve our landscape for future generations to enjoy.”

Welcoming the announcement, acting Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Mr Brendan Jennings said, “This acquisition by the State of this rich and diverse habitat is a significant boost to the conservation and education mission of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the world’s first cross-border Geopark. This project is co-managed by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and is an excellent example of cross-border co-operation. I welcome the opportunity to bring An Tánaiste to West Cavan today to showcase this area of outstanding natural beauty and abundant biodiversity, which will play a crucial role in our efforts to mitigate against climate change”.

Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Gráinne O'Connor said, "This is welcome news for Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and in partnership with NPWS will allow the Geopark to further develop and implement strategic projects in the area of climate action and regenerative tourism. The Geopark is built on a partnership between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council and this project, located right in the heart of the Geopark and in an area of such importance from a biodiversity, climate action and recreational perspective, will provide many tangible benefits for visitors and local communities". 

Extending from Co. Cavan across the Northern Ireland border in Co. Fermanagh, Cuilcagh mountain and its surroundings are ecologically important and unique because of the extent and variety of upland habitats that occur and the species that these habitats support. A region of extraordinary natural beauty, the Geopark has huge potential as a venue for education, recreation, outreach and appreciation of the value of nature and biodiversity.

Jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council, the Geopark aims to facilitate strong cross-border cooperation and management and allow for the development and nurturing of positive cultural links, integrated ways of working and collaborative and collective planning and decision-making for the future.