Shared geological heritage celebrated

Landscapes from Stone, a cross border initiative celebrating the rich geological heritage of Northern Ireland’s six counties and the six border counties of the Republic of Ireland, was launched on November 22, 2001.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and Mr Joe Jacob, Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise in the Republic of Ireland, also attended the launch.

Sir Reg said: "This project demonstrates cross border co-operation at its best in developing and utilising a shared interest, in this case, our natural resources. Landscapes From Stone offers many dividends, it educates and further deepens our understanding of our diverse heritage, it aims to increase the volume of visitors and also offers economic benefits to rural areas."

Minister Jacob said: "I agree with Sir Reg on the high levels of cross border co operation that have been achieved in this project. This desirable situation has been greatly supported by the contribution of the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of this support and I also wish to pay tribute to the relevant local authorities, not merely for their financial support but also for their encouragement to staff throughout the project.”

Most recently the project has produced 11 colourful Explore Guides packed with information that will help tourists to explore regions.

For the more adventurous, the project also provides six walk packs consisting of laminated cards that describe detailed walks of various lengths and difficulty in some of the most scenically attractive areas depicted on the Explore guides.

The Landscapes from Stone Project received 75 per cent of its funding from the European Union Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, with the remaining funding from local government and from the two Geological Surveys own resources. (CD)