The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O Sullivan has launched the new National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery Van, a mobile visitor centre serving the Burren National Park.
The new mobile unit will serve as an on-site information point during the busy summer season meeting visitors on site at the trailheads and car parks and providing a friendly, informed interpretation of the Burren’s unique landscapes, geology, flora, and fauna as well as practical advice on trails, safety, and responsible visiting.
The Burren National Park itself, despite steadily increasing visitor numbers, has never had any infrastructure on site. While a dedicated information point has been in place for many years in Corofin Village, many visitors now go directly to the Park and these remote, but popular, trailheads lacked an NPWS staff presence to welcome and assist visitors.
While its summer function is to serve visitors in the Burren, the van will also work as a year-round outreach tool, enabling NPWS guides to engage with schools in the wider area offering environmental education linked to habitats, species, and conservation, as well as attending festivals, community events, and national fairs.
The Minister was at the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre today for the launch and he acknowledged the work of the many partners, stakeholders and community groups, who have formed strong relationships with the NPWS in promoting and assisting in this project.
Minister O’Sullivan said:
“The NPWS Discovery Van represents a major step forward in how the NPWS engages with the public in this region, bringing nature education and information directly to the heart of communities, schools, and protected areas. In supporting proposals to deliver on the Programme for Government, these projects demonstrate the active commitment to heritage and nature which is grounded in partnership with local communities and sustainable conservation, ensuring that Ireland’s unique environment and cultural landmarks are cherished for years to come.”
William Cormacan, Divisional Manager with the NPWS, stated:
“I am proud of work undertaken by the team here in the Burren National Park and Coole Nature Reserve in bringing this project to fruition. It is an excellent tool for us to use in bringing nature to people in their own communities and settings.”