Local community invited to shape Shared Heritage Plan for Cuilcagh Mountain
3rd September 2021
Local communities within approximately a 10-mile radius of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain in counties Cavan and Fermanagh have a fantastic opportunity to lead on the development of new heritage opportunities in the area.
The inspiration for the development for a new Shared Heritage Plan has come from the recent success of Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place (C2C).
This 3-year community led project, which concludes this month, has connected the local communities of Arney, Killesher, Bellanaleck and Florencecourt through a wide range of heritage projects including development of walking trails to heritage sites, community archaeological digs, underground concerts, history projects and more.
Speaking about the development of a new Shared Heritage Plan, Barney Devine, C2C Local Co-ordinator, said:
“The ambition for this Shared Heritage Plan is to join with our neighbouring communities to develop and deliver a unique heritage-led regeneration and place-making programme on a landscape scale around Cuilcagh mountain. The local communities share a common connection to Culicagh Mountain, but they also have their own unique aspects.”
“A community led approach is essential and therefore we want to hear from anybody who lives within a 10-mile radius of the summit of Culicagh Mountain in both Cavan and Fermanagh. Please don’t worry if your idea is not yet well developed – all ideas and input will be welcomed,” continued Barney.
The Shared Heritage Plan provides scope to develop something similar to C2C but on a larger scale, empowering local communities to work together to identify what is unique in regard to landscape, heritage and culture. The outcome of this engagement will be a 3-5 year delivery plan which will inform funding applications and in turn which will help promote and celebrate the value of heritage and culture; enhance community development by connecting local people with the area’s built, natural, cultural and archaeological heritage; and lead to sustainable development for the area as a cultural destination where people are attracted to visit and explore.
This engagement process is being led by the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and supported by the C2C Management Committee. Insight Solutions has been commissioned to lead on the engagement and support local communities to develop a plan for the area.
Consultation and engagement have been ongoing since early August and there are still opportunities to input into the process before the closing date of 15th September 2021.
Online Meetings will be held on 9th September (7pm), 13th September (2pm) and 15th September (7pm).
An online survey has also been developed to allow residents to submit their views. The survey remains open until 15th September. All links to meetings and the survey can be found at www.c2c.org.uk/c2c-heritage-legacy-consultation/
If you would like to find out more information or take part in this process please contact Fergal O’Donnell (Insight Solutions) by email to fergal@insight-solutions.org or ring 0771 362 3264.
This project has been supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.