A BURREN expert says he hopes that the Burren getting a Unesco-supported global geopark network designation will lead to better protection of the area in Co Clare.
Director of BurrenLife Dr Brendan Dunford was yesterday commenting on the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher being awarded the prestigious award.
“I would hope that this designation would inspire better protection and better education about the Burren,” Dr Dunford said.
“We already know the Burren’s rich archaeological heritage and this award only highlights the need to look after this special landscape.”
The award was made at the 10th European Geoparks Conference in Langesund, Norway, at the weekend.
The Burren now becomes part of a group of locations that form part of a global network of national geoparks. There are 78 geoparks in 26 countries.
The award is the culmination of a long application process which had been co-ordinated by Clare County Council through the Burren Connect project. It had the support of the Geological Survey of Ireland and Shannon Development.
Clare mayor Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said: “Global geopark status does not create a national park or nature park, and does not permit open access to private property or land.
It is the role of a geopark to encourage visitors and communities to experience geology at publicly accessible sites and trails, where maintenance and access can be managed.”
