IRELAND'S FAMOUS BURREN REGION UNDER THREAT FROM INAPPROPRIATE TOURIST ACTIVITY

The recently established Environmental Protection of the Burren through Visitor Management Initiative is looking to create an advisory committee composed of representatives from community and sectoral groups involved in the care of the environment and in the management of the tourism industry in the Burren. As a result a public meeting will be held in the Burren Centre, Kilfenora on Thursday next 12th July at 8.30pm.

According to Carol Gleeson, Project Manager, "Tourism makes a valuable contribution to the local economy but inappropriate tourist activity can also pose a serious threat to the fragile nature of the Burren landscape, on which Burren tourism depends. The overall aim of this Initiative is to ensure the protection of this natural resource through a coordinated approach to visitor management and environmental protection."

Established in 2006, the aims of the Environmental Protection of the Burren through Visitor Management Initiative are to develop self regulated one way driving routes for coach tours, reduce traffic congestion at key areas and provide safe off-road viewing points at popular beauty spots. Designated driving, cycling and walking routes will be developed to encourage sustainable exploration of the landscape. A new signage plan will be developed in collaboration with the local community to assist with this traffic management strategy and to guide visitors through the Burren.

At Poulnabrone and Fanore Dunes, meanwhile, both conservation and amenity needs will be addressed and monitored to assess effectiveness. Access to walking routes and natural/heritage attractions on private land will also be addressed in consultation with landowners.

This phase of the Initiative is funded under the Fáilte Ireland Development Scheme Fund in partnership with Clare County Council, Shannon Development, National Parks & Wildlife Service and Burrenbeo.com. The management team is currently a steering committee composed of representatives of the funding partners, a project manager and a technical officer.

Commenting ahead of this week’s public meeting, Ms. Gleeson stated, "The development of an advisory committee would provide an opportunity for active community involvement in this initiative and for the provision of invaluable advice and guidance for the management team. The committee would also serve to advise future projects arising out of this initiative."

She added, "We aim to have representation from farming organisations, rural development groups, accommodation providers, small businesses, community development groups, visitor centres, guides, coach companies, educational groups and cultural groups. Clare County Council will be invited to nominate an elected member to join the committee, and experts in the scientific fields of geology, archaeology and botany will also be invited to join. The composition of the committee will have to be limited to a functioning number of representatives."

"The meeting, which takes place at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora on Thursday 12th July at 8.30pm, will feature a discussion on the proposed creation of an advisory committee and a proposed signage plan and logo for the Burren. We would encourage all who are interested in the future development of tourism in the Burren to attend", concluded Ms. Gleeson.

For further information please contact Carol Gleeson, Project Manager 065-7072296, 065-7072246 (fax) or cgleeson@burren.ie. Alternatively please contact Eimer McCarthy, Technical Officer at 065-7072295 or emccarthy@burren.ie.

Notes to Editor:
High-resolution images of the Burren are available on request. Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
Carol Gleeson (087-2234263) is available for interview.