burren LIFE

Project Management & Structure

LIFE

The BurrenLIFE Project was 75% funded under the EU LIFE Programme. The objective of the programme is to contribute to the development and implementation of Community environmental policy and legislation. LIFE consists of three thematic components: "LIFE-Nature", "LIFE-Environment" and "LIFE-Third countries". The BurrenLIFE Project has received approval for €1,672,865 (which represents 75% of the total budget of €2.23 million) under the LIFE Nature Programme.

Project Sponsor: National Parks and Wildlife Service

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is responsible for National and European site (Natura 2000) designation for species and habitat protection. The NPWS have developed Special Areas of Conservation management plans and give advice to landowners on land management practices favourable to nature conservation. The NPWS implement the Wildlife Act and Habitats Directive in Ireland and is responsible for the Burren National Park, Slieve Carran Nature Reserve, and nature conservation in the wider Burren, c.47,000 hectares, comprising of 5 SACs.

Project Partner: Teagasc - The Agricultural and Food Development Authority

Teagasc provides an integrated research, advisory and training service to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Teagasc promotes farm development and implements EU agricultural schemes including the Common Agricultural Policy and European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF/FEOGA). It is also responsible for research and training of landowners in the Burren area.

Project Partner: Burren Irish Farmers Association

The Burren IFA is the main representative body for the farmers of the Burren. The Burren IFA group was established in 1995 as a local branch of the national organisation in order to represent the unique interests of Burren farmers at a national level. The group was involved in the negotiation of the Burren REPS agreement in 1995, and continues to play a leading role in the development of agriculture in the region.

Project Steering Committee

The PSC was comprised of the Project Team and two nominations from each of the project sponsors (NPWS) and project partners (Teagasc and the Burren IFA). The PSC had a range of functions including acting as a support to the Project and overseeing the delivery of the Project Actions as outlined in the EU Commission Contract. It met 2-4 times a year.

Project Advisory Group

The Project Advisory Group (PAG) acts as the wider regional reference point for the Project Team. It is comprised of members from the project sponsors and partners as well as project supporters (below). The PAG met one to two times a year.

Project Supporters

Clare County Council www.clarecoco.ie
The Heritage Council www.heritagecouncil.ie
Rural Resource Development Ltd. [RRD] www.rrd.ie
The Department of Agriculture and Food www.agriculture.gov.ie
National University of Ireland Galway www.nuigalway.ie