The Cathaoirleach welcomed the manager of the Farming Rathcroghan European Innovation Project, Mr. Richie Farrell who outlined the main features and benefits of the project which was established in 2019 for a five-year period at a cost of €984,000:

·         Rathcroghan is one of 23 EIP’s in the country but the only one focused on maintaining the archaeology and cultural heritage in the area under study. The project was earlier this year showcased at the Bloom Flower Show in Dublin.

·         The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture and supported by Teagasc and the academic sector as well as the Department of Housing and Local Government and the National Heritage Office.

·         The project has enabled farming practices, particularly dry stock farming to coexist alongside preserving the archaeology of the area. From an initial 31 participating, there are now 60 farmers engaged with 75% of the Rathcroghan complex managed by the project.

·         The Rathcroghan complex comprises 240 archaeological sites, of which 70 are national monuments. The pre-historic medieval area is current on the tentative shortlisting for UNESCO World Heritage site designation.

·         The project has a strong focus on grassland and water protection with an ever increasing focus on promoting local biodiversity, focusing on local habitats, field margins and wet areas.

·         A new walking trail is currently being designed at a cost of €450,000, which will be supported by a strong promotional campaign to promote the ancient Celtic Royal site.

·         Measures to protect the archaeology of the landscape include the introduction of ‘scratching posts’ for animals, dry stone wall repairs the instillation of newly designed gates and improvements to the local built heritage of the area.

·         A forthcoming conference, scheduled for August 18^th will feature contributions from Ministers of State Pippa Hackett and Malcolm Noonan in efforts to extend the duration of the project.

·         Among future plans for the project, if approved, are the creation of a Rathcroghan mobile app and the alignment of future local initiatives in line with Climate Action guidelines.

Concluding, Mr. Farrell said considerable knowledge and expertise had been generated under the five-year project with an application for a renewal of the project already underway and he appealed for the support of the Elected Members in lobbying for such an extension from the relevant Ministers.

The Members welcomed the timely presentation from Mr. Farrell and discussed as follows:

·         There has been a substantial body of work done on this project over the past 5 years and it needs to be continued so as not to lose the work done.

·         The walking trail has been a great success.

·         The N5 project will give better linkage to the project.

·         The farmers have bought in the project and are to be commended for their co-operation.

·         This project has huge potential for tourism and must be kept progressing.

·         There should be an automatic continuation of the scheme.

·         The site is of great national importance and has been protected by the locals for years.

·         All schoolchildren in the county should visit the site to be made aware of is heritage and significance.

·         The members will support any application for further funding and investment in the site.

The Chief Executive said that this project fits into biodiversity projects in the county.

The Cathaoirleach said that he will be speaking at the Conference on 18^th August and has invited the Minister for Agriculture to attend.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to request that the Minister for Agriculture provide the necessary funding to continue with the Farming Rathcroghan European Innovation Project (EIP) for the next five years and that the letter is circulated to the local MEPs.

Mr. Farrell thanked the Members for their encouraging feedback and support.