Burren Community Charter

Overview

The Burren is a truly unique place - presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The Burren Community Charter aims to allow the Burren community shape its own future, deciding for itself how best to address these challenges and opportunities. The Burren Community Charter sets out a vision for the Burren Where a high quality of life is enjoyed by all

• Where the natural, built and cultural heritage is protected and improved
• Where respect for the environment and local economic development are compatible
• Where there are recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike
• Where dynamic, engaged, sustainable local communities work together for shared benefits as they build a better future.

Programmes

What work the Heritage Council is funding this year: 

The ongoing Charter Administration and Community engagement. This includes maintenance of relevant websites, social media, media relations, newsletters and enquiries. The funding was also used for design, printing and marekting related to the Burren Winterage Weekend (www.burrenwinterage.com) which is a community-led initiative that was borne out of the Burren Community Charter process.

Since its inception, the Burren Community Charter has achieved a great deal for the Burren. Through organisational cooperation and community engagement a number of recommendations arising from the Charter consultation process have been acted upon, including:

• the hugely successful Burren Winterage Weekend
• establishment of the ChangeX Burren social innovation programme
• facilitation of discussions on the Burren’s potential as a World Heritage Site
• piloting of Burren resource centres
• an audit of the existing heritage education courses available in the region
• a series of oral recordings on agricultural traditions in the Burren. 

Other developments to which the Charter process has contributed include the completion of a feasibility study on the Burren as a Learning Landscape (2013), the Learning Landscape Symposium (2012-15), the designation of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and receipt of Burren Tourism LIFE funding, the expansion of the Burren in Bloom festival across the Burren and the awarding of the European Diploma for Protected Areas to the Burren (2013). 

Further Information 

Áine Bird, Charter Administrator
T: +353 91 638096 
E: aine@burrenbeo.com
www.burrencommunitycharter.com