Mayo/Galway UNESCO Geopark approval expected next spring

MAYO'S first UNESCO Global Geopark is set to become official next spring.

After its evaluation last summer, a decision on the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark (JCWL), which straddles south Mayo and north Galway, was deferred.

A deferral is very common with new applicants, members of Mayo County Council's tourism committee were told in an update presented by the geopark.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting in Morocco last September considered an evaluation report, with the geopark asked to address four areas, including better visibility, including signage, further work on their digital platform, and the area of education.

A report will be back before UNESCO in June, ahead of their council meeting next September, and the geopark is confident of an 'unofficial' announcement then, with official status declared next spring.

Gaining UNESCO Global Geopark approval will energise the geopark’s 20 communities, providing opportunities for sustainable growth of local enterprise and jobs and helping the communities to thrive.

Councillor Peter Flynn commented that we have so many beautiful parts that are largely unexplored and this would create massive opportunities.

Councillor Seamus Weir agreed it was an exciting rural project that would be very good for tourism.