burren LIFE

Project Supporters

Clare County Council employs professional and technical staff qualified in town and county planning, environment management, agriculture and conservation, supported by professional administration staff. As a statutory Public Authority it has responsibility for the provision and management of infrastructure, the protection and conservation of the environment, and land use planning. Clare County Council benefits annually from Structural funds for the provision of public infrastructure, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) submitted to the European Commission.

Galway County Council employs professional and technical staff qualified in town and county planning, environment management, agriculture and conservation, supported by professional administration staff. As a statutory Public Authority it has responsibility for the provision and management of infrastructure, the protection and conservation of the environment, and land use planning. Galway County Council benefits annually from Structural funds for the provision of public infrastructure, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) submitted to the European Commission.

The Heritage Council is an independent body established under the Heritage Act 1995 and has a statutory responsibility to propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of heritage. Key performance areas include the provision of heritage information and advice, the shaping of public policy, the promotion of best practice and the provision of advice to the Minister. The Heritage Council has previously undertaken several research and educational events relating to the Burren region, including an assessment of the impact of Rural Environmental Protection Scheme in the region (Bohnsac and Carrucane, 1999).

Rural Resource Development Ltd. [RRD] was established in 1991 in order to apply for the LEADER pilot programme. The company had its roots in the community-based Rural Housing Organisation set up by Fr. Harry Bohan in the 1970's. The other private and public bodies involved were Clare Marts Ltd., Golden Vale plc and Teagasc. The company later expanded to include Clare County Council, FÁS, Clare County Enterprise Board, Clare Regional Youth Service and also community representatives elected directly to the Board by community development organisations. The Board is supported by four advisory groups covering Local Economy, Environment, Information Technology and Community Development.

The mission statement of the Department of Agriculture and Food is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focussed agri-food sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society. In recent years environmental considerations have played an increasing part in EU agriculture policy. The Department operates a number of environmental measures such as REPS, Farm Waste Management Scheme, Dairy Hygiene Scheme and Extensification Scheme. In addition farmers receiving payments under various EU supported measures must comply with certain environmental standards as part of the conditions for such aid. The Department's 'Good Farming Practice' sets down the environmental requirements applicable to the Schemes.

National University of Ireland Galway - The National University of Ireland Galway was founded in 1845 as Queen's College Galway. It was one of the three Queen's Colleges founded under the Queen's Colleges (Ireland) Act, 1845, the others being located in Belfast and Cork. It later became a Constituent College of the new National University of Ireland, and under a new Charter the name of the College was changed to University College, Galway. Since the 1960's the University has experienced significant and continuous growth, both in its stock of buildings, facilities and physical resources and also in the numbers of its students and staff. Its total student enrolment during 2004/2005 academic year was over 15,000, with academically strong programmes of teaching and research throughout its seven Faculties, namely in the Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Celtic Studies, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Law.