burren LIFE

Farming for Conservation
in the Burren

Project Team

Brendan Dunford
Role: Project Manager

Background: From a farming background in Co. Waterford, Brendan has spent the past 8 years in the Burren region. In 2001 he completed his doctorate on the impact of farming on the heritage of the Burren, later published by Teagasc as 'Farming and the Burren'. He is co-founder of the not-for-profit Burrenbeo project.

Telephone: 087 284 1236
E-mail: brendan@burrenlife.com
Address: BurrenLIFE Project, Carron, Ennis, Co. Clare

Sharon Parr
Role: Project Scientist

Background: Sharon is a biologist who spent the last two years creating a map of the broad habitats of the Burren using satellite imagery and extensive field walking. This work placed particular emphasis on mapping grasslands and scrub. Previously, she spent 15 years in UCD working as a large animal parasitologist where she specialised in red water, liver fluke, the control of worms in cattle, sheep and horses and drug-resistance in parasites.

Telephone: 086 8237745
E-mail: sharon@burrenlife.com
Address: BurrenLIFE Project, Carron, Ennis, Co. Clare

Ruairí Ó Conchúir
Role: Project Finance and Operations Administrator

Background: Originally from Dublin, Ruairí has worked in rural development in West Clare since 2001. Prior to this he worked in Southern Africa for 10 years with local and international NGOs and the South African government on land reform, rural development, LandCare and community based eco-tourism projects. Ruairí holds an M.Sc (Agric) from UCD.

Telephone: 065 708 9000 / 087 785 0140
E-mail: ruairi@burrenlife.com
Address: BurrenLIFE Project, Carron, Ennis, Co. Clare

James Moran (Teagasc)
Role: Ecology/Conservation expert for the Burren working with Teagasc

Background: From a farming background in Co. Mayo. Worked full time as a REPS planner with Philip Farrelly & Partners from 1997-1999 in Cos. Clare and Galway, after graduating from NUI, Galway. Between 2000 and 2005 worked part time as a REPS planner and ecologist while completing his doctorate on the influence of grazing and flooding regimes on the biodiversity of turloughs. Currently employed in the environment advisory section of Teagasc.

Telephone: 087 288 9170
E-mail: jmoran@athenry.teagasc.ie
Address: Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway