Ireland picks up European environment award for Burren

Ireland has been awarded the "European Diploma of Protected Areas Award" from the Council of Europe for the sustainable management of the Burren in Co Clare.

The prize, which has been running since 1965, recognises the work being undertaken to preserve some of Europe’s most outstanding natural and semi-natural areas.

To date, 72 Diplomas have been awarded and are held in 28 European countries.

It is the first time the award has been made to a region in Ireland.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan will accept the accolade in the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron, Co Clare.