Plans to develop the world's first cross-border Geopark in Counties Fermanagh and Cavan have moved forward.

Jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark aims to facilitate strong cross-border cooperation and management and allow for the development and nurturing of positive cultural links, integrated ways of working and collaborative and collective planning and decision-making for the future.

During a visit to the site, Tánaiste Micheál Martin revealed an agreement was reached by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to purchase almost 1000 hectares of upland habitat in Co Cavan.

Commenting on the major acquisition, Tánaiste, Micheál Martin said: "Given the unique conservation value and remarkable concentration of upland habitats and species at this site, I am very pleased to announce that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has reached an agreement to purchase almost a 1000 hectares of land, which will allow them, and Cavan County Council, to support the aims of the Geopark, and protect the nature and biodiversity that is such a remarkable characteristic of this area. 

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"Through the government's Shared Island Local Authority scheme, we are supporting development of a Cuilcagh Lakelands GeoPark plan for biodiversity conservation, climate action and regenerative tourism. 

"I look forward to seeing that work completed later this year and to a deepening cross-border partnership on the Geopark, for the benefit of communities in this unique cross-border landscape."

Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall Ó Donnchú, commented: "I am delighted that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is partnering with Cavan County Council to deliver significant benefits for nature and communities in the Cuilcagh Lakelands area. 

"The wonderful teams at the Geopark and the two local authorities in Cavan and Fermanagh, combined with the expertise and experience of the NPWS North Midlands Division, will be a powerful combination ensuring this landscape of such outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity is managed and shared for the benefit of the public and local communities for generations to come."