I am delighted to launch the Bréifne Project this evening. It brings together important information about the archaeology, culture, geography and tourism of this unique part of Ireland
Tonight we are celebrating the fruits of the hard work and co-operation of specialists, local communities, local authorities, the Government and our neighbours in Northern Ireland.
Having responsibility for the geosciences sector, I am pleased that the two geosciences organisations.
This project highlights the type of commitment, professionalism and co-operation by so many that have made this country a success.
The Geology Survey of Ireland and the Geology Survey of Northern Ireland have played such an active role in developing awareness of the tourism value of our landscapes. The strength of the North-South co-operation in Bréifne is both highly significant and praiseworthy.
The visible increase in North/South cooperation reminds all the public representatives involved in the peace process that communities and industries from all sections of Irish society are getting on with the job of developing and promoting this country.
The Bréifne Project is fascinating. The travel guide and website is indeed A Different Journey in a unique and gently understated part of Ireland.
The landscapes, which formed the basis for the project, are amongst the most remarkable in Ireland.
Their geological importance and diversity provide a great wealth of culture, heritage and history.
I am particularly struck by the diversity of the landscapes, from the drumlins of Cavan, through the waterways of Lough Erne and the Shannon, the wonderful coastline and the dominating influence of Cuilcagh Mountain at the heart of Bréifne.
The project partners had the foresight to realise the tourism and educational potential of the region.
They have also succeeded in attracting significant EU funds to deliver this for the local communities.
And the Bréifne Project will play a very important role in developing new tourism markets at home and abroad.
I wish to pay tribute to the councils in Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon as well as the District Council in Fermanagh.
I thank the Geological Survey of Ireland - part of my own Department- the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, the University of Ulster and the Cavan County Enterprise Board for all that has been achieved.
The ability to focus on a common regional objective has delivered something that is special in an Irish context.
The Government fully supports these types of initiatives and commitment by the Special EU Programmes Body to provide a second round of funding for Bréifne, is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work of the company and its stakeholders.
This will facilitate a high-profile promotional campaign and support the development of a management plan for a cross-border extension of the existing UNESCO approved Marble Arch European Geopark both within Co. Fermanagh and also into West Cavan.
The Government’s new regional tourism structures, created by my colleague, John O’Donoghue T.D., the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, will greatly assist this.
I believe that if you consistently put the region first, concentrate on the quality of what you do and involve the local communities, there is a clear benefit to be gained in funding opportunities and long term customer awareness.
Tonight we are celebrating a project that has already delivered something powerful, something memorable and highly valuable.
We are also launching another phase of the project with new funding in place from the participating councils, the Special European Union Programmes Body and other partners.
I look forward to the continued development of Bréifne and its greater role in the promotion of the region as a unique holiday region.
Well done, congratulations to you all.
ENDS