A €6m investment has been announced to develop a Geopark trail network connecting counties Cavan and Fermanagh.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the investment for the trail network in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, which links trails north and south of the border between Cavan and Fermanagh. Trail development will include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure. A new community-based interpretative centre will also be developed in Glangevlin.

The project will be overseen, developed and delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Cavan County Council, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

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Cavan County Council Director of Service for Planning, Community, and Economic Development, Brendan Jennings, said: "This joint venture, which also included Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark Ambassadors, and the Geopark Business Network, explored how we could sustainably realise the conservation, tourism, recreational and natural value of this shared landscape, and helped lay the foundation for this exciting announcement.

"I'd like to thank all of the Masterplan partners, the local communities, and our elected representatives, who’ve helped bring us to this point."

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle, added: "This funding comes at a tremendously exciting time for the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, with work advancing on two major capital projects in the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and the Cavan Burren Park enhancement project. These are two flagship tourism developments, which will be enhanced and complemented by this significant investment through the Shared Island Fund."

For more information on Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, visit www.cuilcaghlakelands.org.