Munster Express Online

Munster Express August 11 2015

Kieran Foley reports

The Munster Express has teamed up with the Copper Coast Geopark as part of the 2015 ‘Get Involved’ competition.
‘Get Involved’ is a sustainable communities initiative developed by 51 local newspapers throughout Ireland and is a way for local communities all over Ireland to work together to improve their own lives, create local jobs, and protect the environment.
In 2015, local newspapers with the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Clann Credo will drive voluntary sustainability projects where citizens will collectively play a more pro-active, inclusive and coherent role in shaping the future of their local environs.
The Munster Express believes that the ongoing efforts of all involved with the Copper Coast Geopark perfectly encapsulate the aims and objectives of the ‘Get Involved’ project.

‘Get Involved’ brings clear benefits to the local economy and the local environment by transforming to a ‘low-carbon, resource-efficient, economic resilient’ society.
Last year’s projects illustrated just how enthusiastic and creative communities can be.
In 2014, The Munster Express teamed up with the Friends of St John’s River project.
This group of enthusiastic volunteers have transformed the area of St John’s River, Kilbarry and are continuing with their magnificent efforts.
The Friends of St John’s River group received an award for their efforts at a ceremony in Athlone earlier this year.
The Munster Express received a ‘Project Champion’ award in recognition of the newspaper’s coverage of the project.
Limerick Community Grocery, a project developed in association with the Limerick Leader newspaper, won the overall top prize which included a bursary of €5,000.
Second place, with a bursary of €1,000, went to Energy Communities Tipperary in association with the Nenagh Guardian newspaper.
Third place (€500 each) was shared between Transition Kerry, in association with The Kerryman newspaper and the Abbeyleix Bog Project (ABP), in association with the Laois Nationalist newspaper.
In 2013, The Munster Express supported Tramore Tidy Towns as part of ‘Get Involved’, highlighting the group’s ongoing work.
This year there is €12,000 worth of bursaries available to winning projects.
‘Get Involved’ 2015, sets out to inspire and stimulate community collaboration through voluntary efforts and to foster ‘green’ and ‘social impact’ enterprises, to build local resilience and generate new and sustainable livelihoods.
The judging criteria will focus on the following eight areas.
Energy: Community Co-ops in local energy. Through ‘Energy Efficiency’ building retrofits and producing ‘Renewable Fuels’ for local use in heat, transport and power.
Food: Growing and processing local food produce for the needs of community through local community food co-ops.
Nature/Biodiversity: Projects that, enhance, restore and protect nature and ecosystems.
Ecotourism: Projects that foster sustainable tourism and ‘eco-tourism’ in the locality.
Water: Water sustainability and awareness of how critical this invaluable resource is to localities.
Resource Efficiency: Resource Efficiency with the aim of developing markets for recyclables in Ireland.
Sustainable Employment: Community Projects that innovate and stimulate local, sustainable enterprises and generate new livelihoods.
Community Impact: Community Impact Prize (additional prize for 2015) The Clann Credo “Community Impact Prize” highlights how outstanding community-based projects meet local and community needs in an innovative and collaborative way.
The Munster Express will highlight the developments taking place along the Copper Coast Geopark as part of this year’s competition.
The Copper Coast Geopark was founded by local people whose goal is to create jobs through the development of sustainable tourism.
The ultimate aim of the organisation is to spearhead sustainable tourism that develops and promotes the region, strengthens the local economy and improves the visitor experience.
The Copper Coast is a 90 square kilometre stretch of coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan and is the smallest Geopark in the world.
The area is characterised by rugged cliff-edged shorelines and unique geological formations.
The Geopark’s Visitor Centre in Bonmahon features a geological and mining heritage exhibition, a gift shop and café.
The area was awarded European Geopark status in 2001 and registered as Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status in 2004.
Global Geopark status under the auspices of UNESCO was obtained in 2004.
The Geopark is supported by: Waterford City and Council; Geological Survey of Ireland; University College Cork and; Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland.
The Copper Coast Geopark is a member of the Public Participation Network and represents the Environmental Pillar on the Planning & Corporate Strategic Policy Committee.
The Munster Express looks forward to highlighting the many varied activities which are taking place in this beautiful area of County Waterford.
To find out more about the Copper Coast Geopark visit www.coppercoastgeopark.com. To find out more about the ‘Get Involved’ competition, visit www.get-involved.ie.