Two projects receive €10k geoheritage grants
In total six community-based projects around the country received the Geological Survey Ireland supports which looks to benefit the establishment of geotourism sites and aspiring geoparks and UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Two local projects have each been awarded geoheritage grants valued at €10,000 each and aimed at improving the understanding of geoscience across Ireland.
PROJECT Belturbet will use the funding to “introduce a geoheritage narrative” to its existing Dreamscapes Trail at Turbet Island, while the Marble Arch Geopark is to develop an online poetry map inspired by its many interesting sites, including the Cavan Burren.
In total six community-based projects around the country received the Geological Survey Ireland supports which looks to benefit the establishment of geotourism sites and aspiring geoparks and UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Geology is part of the heritage of Ireland and is celebrated as Initially, the fund was only available to the three UNESCO Global Geoparks and aspiring geoparks but has been available to all groups since 2019 in order to promote geodiversity, geoheritage and geoscience education through wider community engagement.
The successful applications this year demonstrate the diversity of Irish geology, the role it plays in Irish heritage, and its value in local initiatives, say GSI.
Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland, welcomed the announcement, commenting: “The Geological Survey has been working throughout the country since 1845 and this is one way to give back to communities, to foster good relationships, and to encourage people to work with us to use our data, maps and expertise to develop local tourism and educational resources.”
He adds: “The projects this year show the breadth of ways geology and geoheritage can be used for tourism, education and local pride. I am delighted the Geoheritage Grant Scheme attracted so many applications this year and I look forward to the results of these community collaborations."