Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

The cross-Border geopark straddles counties Cavan, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. Recognised by UNESCO, the geopark contains a fine array of geological, geomorphological and biodiversity features of international importance. Within the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark it is possible to see some of Ireland's finest cliffs and scarps, including Cuilcagh Mountain summit ridge, the Cliffs of Magho, which overlook lower Lough Erne, and Knockmore Cliff, which reaches a height of 130 m. The Border upland project builds on the established reputation of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and will greatly enhance the landscape tourism product of the region by creating much needed outdoor access, recreational and amenity infrastructure in the scenic upland areas of the four counties straddling the Border. Part of this will be an interpretive centre at Blacklion.

The overall project was approved by the INTERREG IVA steering committee on 10 February 2011. It was awarded funding of €3,183,804 and a letter of offer was expected in May or June of this year. However, on 15 June, the Special EU Programmes Body, SEUPB, stated that the letter of offer was on hold as the accountable Departments were working on agreeing the percentage splits for the matched funding amounts. The fact that a 25% outlay by the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic will attract 75% funding from Europe makes their acceptance vital.

We need an answer. The intergovernmental debate on the ratio of contributions needs quick resolution because the letter of offer is long overdue. It is a question of giving effect to an agreement between the two Governments on a ratio of expenditure. This infrastructure is vital for the community and the area.

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