Cross Border Environment Project Receives More Additional Funding for Iconic Site.
The Special EU Programmes Body has announced additional funding for a large cross-border environmental project.
The Collaborative Action for the Natura Network (CANN) project is to receive an additional €1.1 million to carry out key conservation work at Cuilcagh Mountain and Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Special Areas of Conservation in counties Fermanagh, Leitrim and Cavan, with an aim to improve the conservation status of these EU designated sites.
The CANN project is a €9.4 million project led by Newry Mourne and Down District Council working in partnership with 10 other organisations from the public and charity sectors to protect endangered species and restore natural habitats found within Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland. The project is funded by the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
CANN is due to run until 2021 and across the three project jurisdictions, the project team will work alongside local communities to carry out priority environmental conservation work on 25 selected designated sites, which are recognised for their environmental importance both nationally and internationally
Congratulating the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB said: “The INTERREG funding awarded to this project CANN, reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting much-needed cross-border environmental protection work that will safeguard our shared natural environment today and in the future.
“This new site will prove a welcome addition to the essential conservation activity that will be undertaken throughout the lifetime of the project. This additional funding is a testament to the excellent work undertaken to date by CANN, and reflects the faith we have in the importance of this work,” she continued.
Welcoming the additional funding, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council looks forward to the CANN project carrying out vital conservation work in the Cuilcagh and Slieve Aneirin Uplands, and to working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cavan County Council and Leitrim County Council alongside the CANN project partners and local communities to bring about positive environmental change”.
Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland.
