Funding boost for ‘major development’ at Cuilcagh

A major development at Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, with funding under the Shared Island Fund, was approved by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday (February 25).

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Brendan Smith TD (FF) said a trail network will be developed to link existing trails North and South of the border, enhancing and further linking the local tourism offerings at Cuilcagh and the wider cross-border UNESCO Global Geopark.

The trail development will provide connectivity between the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Broadwalk and on to Cavan Burren Park and include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure, including a community-based interpretative centre at Glangevlin village.

“I was very glad in 2021 to highlight and outline the potential of this cross-border geopark to grow tourism in this area and its suitability for funding under the Shared Island Fund both from a cross-border and All Ireland perspective and also as a regenerative tourism project,” Deputy Smith said.

“Subsequently I was glad to strongly support the application submitted by Cavan County Council and the Geopark,” he added.

In the meantime, additional lands have been purchased by the State to expand the Geopark in Cavan, which Deputy Smith said offers “additional potential” for tourism and biodiversity.

Also under construction at present is the major Discovery Centre/Interpretive Centre at the Shannon Pot Glangevlin with an investment in excess of €10 million.

“This centre will promote the history and culture and, notably, the importance of the River Shannon, our country’s longest river at 360km, a river that is central to so much of our national tourism industry.”

Deputy Smith said visitor displays, walking trails through the forest and a major viewing point will all “dovetail very well” with the amenities developed already as part of Cavan Burren Park.

“All these developments and major investments are building on the natural attractions of the area under the shadow of the Cuilcagh Mountain and will generate additional economic activity, business and much needed jobs,” he pointed out, adding that they are “extremely important” for counties Cavan and Fermanagh and for the Upper Shannon Region.