PLANS for two exciting developments within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark are progressing, though both will take plenty of time and money to complete.
Earlier this year the ‘Herald revealed the details of proposals for a multi-million pound development of Lough Navar Forest, which is officially part of the UNESCO-recognised Geopark. These plans include a new visitor centre, car parking, walking trails, picnic areas, and more.
The ‘Herald also revealed that, as part of a separate project, an application had been submitted to designate the area of the Geopark around Culcagh/Marlbank and Lough Navar as an International Dark Skies Park.
If accepted, the community-orientated project would help protect and preserve the view of the night sky through initiatives to reduce light pollution and through public education.
The upcoming meeting of the Council’s regeneration and community committee, which takes place tomorrow night (Thursday), will hear an update from a recent meeting of the Geopark committee, where plans for both projects were discussed.
Regarding the Lough Navar development, the team behind Phase 2 of the project discussed the details for the trails and amenities, and revealed details of the proposed design of the visitor centre.
With a public consultation of the plans due to open this month, councillors will hear at tomorrow’s meeting that all work related to the development will be dependent on external funding, which has not yet been secured.
“Progression of the Lough Navar development beyond the design stages is considered within the Council’s capital plan and associated budget but requires external funding,” the Council’s director of community and wellbeing wrote in their report on the matter.
“It is anticipated that this funding will be secured through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and/or Mid South West Growth Deal.”
With regard the Dark Skies accreditation, the report noted the application process could take up to three years, “commencing with discussions at local community level.”
“The Geopark’s mission is to nurture and protect its landscapes and to ensure it provides a solid social, environmental, and economic platform for its communities enabling them to live in balance,” the report added.
“In addition, the Geopark has a commitment to nurture and protect the unique heritage so that the designation can restore and revitalise those that live and visit here, and can enable connections between people, heritage, and nature.”
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