The Special EU Programmes Body has announced that the CANN project is to receive an additional €1.1 million to carry out important conservation work at Cuilcagh Mountain and Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Special Areas of Conservation in counties Fermanagh, Leitrim and Cavan, which are recognised for their environmental significance both nationally and internationally.
The CANN project, whose funding value is now €9.4 million, hopes to use these additional monies to preserve priority species and restore natural habitats found at these iconic sites. The project team hopes that by working alongside local communities that the overall aim of improving the conservation status of the Cuilcagh Mountain and Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands can be realised, and that the sustainability of these iconic landscapes, habitats and species can be guaranteed for future generations.
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, Councillor Mark Murnin Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 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”.
The CANN project is funded by the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. 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.
