The island of Ireland can now boast having Europe's first transnational Geopark, after the Marble Arch Caves Geopark in Northern Ireland expanded into County Cavan.

Geoparks are areas of internationally significant geological heritage which are used by the local community to promote economic development through high quality, sustainable tourism and scientific research.

They are supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and are separate from the World Heritage List.

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Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster lauded the expansion of the Geopark.

She said: "The expansion announcement places the Marble Arch Caves firmly on the map as the first transnational Geopark in the world.

"Marble Arch Caves Geopark already attracts international visitors and makes and important contribution not only to the local economy but to the whole economy of Northern Ireland."

Fermanagh and Cavan Councils have worked together for over two years to achieve the expansion of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark.

The steering group, which oversaw this work was co-chaired by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

Irish Rural Affairs Minister Brendan Smith lauded the extension plans.

(PR/JM)