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18/02/2002
Marble Arch Caves achieve European Geopark status
Sam Foster, the Minister for the Environment, said the new European Geopark designation for Fermanagh’s Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Mountain is another step in conserving the natural heritage of Northern Ireland.
Visiting the Marble Arch Visitor Centre on Monday, Mr Foster congratulated Fermanagh District Council for this major achievement: "This is the first time that this important international designation has been awarded within the United Kingdom. I am confident that it will help promote their conservation and encourage sustainable use.
"Above ground is one of the most extensive and best preserved areas of blanket bog in Ireland. Below ground is an outstanding landscape of caves, underground rivers and karst features. Their conservation demands sensitive management. But thanks to the Council both are now accessible to the public and are important tourist attractions as well as educational facilities."
Mr Foster praised the staff at the Marble Arch Centre and commented that in his view this award acknowledged that it was recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of environmental management.
The European Geoparks Network has been set up by the European Commission in co-operation with UNESCO to protect and promote the geological heritage of Europe.
The initiative is designed to supplement UNESCO World Heritage Sites and recognises European sites that are of international importance for their geology, landscape and educational value.
At present there are 12 European Geoparks, and it is intended to restrict membership to sites of special quality and importance.
(SP)
Visiting the Marble Arch Visitor Centre on Monday, Mr Foster congratulated Fermanagh District Council for this major achievement: "This is the first time that this important international designation has been awarded within the United Kingdom. I am confident that it will help promote their conservation and encourage sustainable use.
"Above ground is one of the most extensive and best preserved areas of blanket bog in Ireland. Below ground is an outstanding landscape of caves, underground rivers and karst features. Their conservation demands sensitive management. But thanks to the Council both are now accessible to the public and are important tourist attractions as well as educational facilities."
Mr Foster praised the staff at the Marble Arch Centre and commented that in his view this award acknowledged that it was recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of environmental management.
The European Geoparks Network has been set up by the European Commission in co-operation with UNESCO to protect and promote the geological heritage of Europe.
The initiative is designed to supplement UNESCO World Heritage Sites and recognises European sites that are of international importance for their geology, landscape and educational value.
At present there are 12 European Geoparks, and it is intended to restrict membership to sites of special quality and importance.
(SP)
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NI's Marble arch caves mark 'Geopark' week
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26 October 2015
Substantial Quantity Of Drugs Found In Fermanagh
A substantial quantity of drugs have been seized by police in Fermanagh. The drugs were recovered in the Marble Arch Road area of Enniskillen on Thursday night. They found a van crashed on the road after 9pm and searched the vehicle and identified suspected cocaine. No one was in the van and an investigation has been launched.
Substantial Quantity Of Drugs Found In Fermanagh
A substantial quantity of drugs have been seized by police in Fermanagh. The drugs were recovered in the Marble Arch Road area of Enniskillen on Thursday night. They found a van crashed on the road after 9pm and searched the vehicle and identified suspected cocaine. No one was in the van and an investigation has been launched.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
