Almost 1,000 hectares of upland habitat in Co Cavan is to be purchased as part of the world's first cross-border Geopark. The site, near the Cuilcagh Mountains will be managed to help the State meet its nature and biodiversity action plans, and significantly benefit the work of the Geopark.
Announcing the news while on a tour of the site earlier today, Tánaiste, Micheál Martin highlighted how the National Parks and Wildlife Service has reached an agreement to purchase the land that will assist Cavan County Council in supporting the aims of the Geopark.
Our reporter Ronan Gargan has been speaking to Deputy Brendan Smith and the Cathaoirelach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feely who both agree that this move marks a "wonderful day for cross border relations on the island of Ireland.
Deputy Smith began by telling Ronan that it was he and Arlene Foster who first initiated the effort in 2009, making it the first cross border UNESCO geo park in the world.
Meanwhile, Cllr Feely pointed to the purchase of the land and how it fits into the 'ethos' of the local geopark. He began by highlighting to Ronan how 'brilliant' today's announcement is.
