Council begin geopark meetings

Council begin geopark meetings

18 April 2018

A SERIES of information meetings to outline plans to secure a world renowned tourism branding for an area stretching across a huge area from Strangford Lough to South Armagh begin today.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is seeking prestigious UNESCO geopark status for an area taking in the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and the Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A steering committee has been established to spearhead the bid which is in its very early stages, with the formal application to secure geopark status not expected to be submitted until November next year.

Those behind the ambitious plan insist securing geopark status is primarily about environmental sustainability and, at the same time, trying to increase economic revenue in a part of the world already revered for its stunning beauty. 

The emphasis moving forward is on partnership and engaging with local communities, with the steering group keen to talk to as many people as possible. A series of information sessions to outline the new branding process begin today in Newcastle and Castlewellan before moving to Strangford and Downpatrick tomorrow.

Today’s information sessions take place at the Newcastle Centre between 10am and 2pm before moving to The Lodge in Castlewellan. This session takes place between 4.30pm and 8pm.

Tomorrow, Strangford’s Inverbrena Hall hosts a session between 10am and 2pm, while the Downshire Civic Centre is the venue between 4.30pm and 8pm.

Information sessions are also being held in the southern end of the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area including Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Bessbrook, Crossmaglen and Hilltown.

Geoparks are based around significant areas of geology and are set up to support sustainable economic development of an area, but they are not just about geology and include sites that are of interest for their history, archaeology, biodiversity, folklore, cultural and local heritage.

Securing the prestigious designation is one of the key planks of the local authority’s tourism strategy, with preparatory work on the designation application starting 12 months ago.

The information sessions are designed to present an opportunity for residents to meet representatives from the team involved in the geopark application process and to ask questions.

In addition to the information sessions throughout April, there will also be a series of other events throughout the year to ensure people fully understand the benefits of an association with the UNESCO brand.