TWO IRISH PROJECTS SHORTLISTED FOR EUROPEAN RURAL INSPIRATION AWARDS
Two Irish projects, Midland Adventures in Co. Offaly and Golashane Farm Nature Reserve in Co. Meath, have been shortlisted for the European Rural Inspiration Awards
An initiative of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD), the inaugural Rural Inspiration Awards celebrate how rural development projects and policy contribute to a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive rural Europe. The ENRD received 176 entries overall and 25 projects have been shortlisted in five categories.
In the Environment and Climate Action category, Co. Meath-based Golashane Farm Nature Reserve is part of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS). The farm focuses strongly on enhancing biodiversity. It has contributed to providing species-specific habitat enhancement for bats, other mammals, birds and insects. The local community has also been involved in on-farm research projects, and a wildlife festival is held on the farm every two years.
Shortlisted in the Improving the Competitiveness of Rural Areas category, Mid Ireland Adventure is a start-up adventure tourism business based in Bannagher, Co Offaly. It has received support through the LEADER Programme. Tourism is a sector of major importance to the rural economy, especially given the modern trend for active lifestyles. Some rural areas have not yet harnessed its full potential and Mid Ireland Adventure aims to address the growing demand for activity tourism in a rural setting. It provides a wide range of activities, including mountain bike tours, guided walks, summer camps and stand up paddle board safaris.
An expert jury will select one winner per category. In addition, a sixth winner will be selected based on the results of the popular vote. Voting is open until 11 April at 12.00 (CET time). The public can vote for the shortlisted projects at www.rebrand.ly/VoteIreland
The winners will be announced at NetworX, the ENRD networking event, taking place in Brussels on 11and12 April 2019.
