Plans afoot to protect the Burren

WORLD Heritage status for the Burren should be actively pursued within the lifetime of this Government, Environment Minister John Gormley told the conference on conservation farming in Ennistymon, Co Clare.

“It would, I believe, provide security and certainty for all those who live and work in the area, not least through providing the financial resources required to allow all stakeholders to protect the future of the area,” he said.

Minister Gormley said it is one of just a number of approaches that can be taken in relation to the Burren.

Other options can also be examined in conjunction with the UNESCO site status. Any approach can only be taken with the support and co-operation of the local community.

“As a start in the UNESCO process, my officials will begin work shortly on a draft management plan for the

Burren. But again, this will be done in full co-operation and consultation with local interest groups to ensure that all potential issues can be identified and dealt with,” he said.

Minister Gormley said 300 million years of geological and natural history combined with 5,000 years of human development to create the Burren’s unique environment, which contains more than 50,000 hectares.

Noting there are only two other sites in the State with World Heritage status — Newgrange and Skellig — he said he plans to redouble efforts at achieving the status for a number of additional sites in Ireland.

Ruairí Ó Conchúir, BLP Finance and Operations Officer, said the conference which continues until tomorrow is a landmark event in progressing farming in areas of high nature value in Ireland.