Shape a shared heritage plan for Cuilcagh
Communities within an approximate 10-mile radius of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain in counties Cavan and Fermanagh have a fantastic opportunity to lead on the development of new heritage opportunities in the area.
The inspiration for the development for a new Shared Heritage Plan has come from the recent success of Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place (C2C). This three-year, community led project, which concludes this month, has connected the local communities of Arney, Killesher, Bellanaleck and Florencecourt through a wide range of heritage projects including development of walking trails to heritage sites, community archaeological digs, underground concerts, history projects and more.
Speaking about the development of a new Shared Heritage Plan, Barney Devine, C2C local co-ordinator, said: “The ambition for this Shared Heritage Plan is to join with our neighbouring communities to develop and deliver a unique heritage-led regeneration and place-making programme on a landscape scale around Cuilcagh mountain.
“A community led approach is essential and therefore we want to hear from anybody who lives within a 10-mile radius of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain in both Cavan and Fermanagh. Please don’t worry if your idea is not yet well developed – all ideas and input will be welcomed,” continued Barney.
The Shared Heritage Plan provides scope to develop similar projects to C2C but on a larger scale, empowering local communities to work together to identify what is unique in regard to landscape, heritage and culture. The outcome of this engagement will be a three to five-year delivery plan, which will inform funding applications and, in turn, which will help promote and celebrate the value of heritage and culture; enhance community development by connecting local people with the area’s built, natural, cultural and archaeological heritage; and lead to sustainable development for the area as a cultural destination where people are attracted to visit and explore.
This engagement process is being led by the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and supported by the C2C Management Committee and interested parties are invited to input into the process before the closing date of September 15. Online meetings will be held on September 9 at 7pm, September 13 at 2pm and September 15 at 7pm. All links to meetings and the survey can be found at: www.c2c.org.uk/c2c-heritage-legacy-consultation
For more information, please contact Fergal O’Donnell by email at fergal@insight-solutions.org or ring 0044-771-362-3264. This project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cavan County Council, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.