BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

An application has been approved by the world heritage body, Unesco to recognise the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark as a cross-border geopark straddling the Fermanagh-Cavan border.

A joint application submitted by authorities here and in Cavan pledged to extend the existing geopark to include parts of the border county.

The Cavan extension will feature the Cuilagh mountains and the Shannon Pot, where the river Shannon rises. The gateway to this part of the park will be the Burren Forest in an extensive area of upland limestone karst.

Recognition for the park was given in September last, and the official announcement will be made at a launch in the Slieve Russell Hotel on Friday, 16th January.

Arlene Foster, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will be present along with Cavan TD Brendan Smith, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Professor Nickloas Zourous, a representative from Unesco and European Geoparks who will be giving the keynote speech.

Geopark's manager, Richard Watson welcomed the move: "We have expanded twice now in two years, firstly in West Fermanagh in conjunction with the Forest Service and Environment Heritage Service incorporating 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres) of public lands. This featured the likes of Lough Navar and Big Dog Forestry.

So, this move will mean we can upgrade what is already a good existing public geopark, extending access for walks, trails and events.

"It was a natural progression to cross the border to Cavan as it is all part of the same geological lands.

"You have the Cuilagh mountains, the Shannon Pot and the Burren above Blacklion as well as pre-historic graves, so they are all very interesting.

"It brings in some very iconic sites associated with Ireland. If you look at the Shannon pot, it is the source of Ireland's biggest river and the Burren will be a famous place when it is developed", he stated.

The exciting development looks set to be a big boost for both counties, and it will be of great advantage for schools from an educational point of view. It is also expected to open doors for an extension in eco-tourism, with vast variations contained within the geopark, from scenic drives and mountains to an abundance of fascinating history and geology.