HNR Project

Harnessing Natural Resources (HNR) Project

Cavan County Enterprise Board have been awarded funding of over €3m from the European Regional Development Fund towards an innovative rural tourism and enterprise initiative under the INTERREG IVA Programme. The Project is called Harnessing Natural Resources (HNR).

The project comprises of 26 rural tourism and enterprise initiatives across the three counties of Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. With three flagship projects at Dowra Courthouse in Cavan, The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre in Fermanagh, Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Leitrim and other projects to include walking, cycling and touring trails, attraction and angling developments, recreational and enterprise facilities.

The aim of the project is to build on cross-border opportunities by promoting a shared approach to rural regeneration through tourism, enterprise and social development.

The project will act as a catalyst for private sector investment in new businesses and create an opportunity for entrepreneurial activity in the area. Community groups and organisations in the area have played a central role in the development of the project and will be key to its successful implementation. Enhancement of the environment and infrastructure, combined with economic and enterprise support initiatives, will be of long term benefit to the local economy.

Delivery of the project will be managed by a consortium led by Cavan County Enterprise Board in collaboration with Cavan County Council, Fermanagh District Council, Leitrim County Council, Swanlinbar Development Association, Coillte and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The project team is Margaret McAvoy, Project Manager and Eileen Sherlock, Project Administrator. Both are based at Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre, Dublin Road, Cavan. Tel: 00353 (0) 494377237 or email margaret@cceb.ie or eileen@cceb.ie.

The funding is managed by the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB) in association with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development NI (DARD) and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG).

Official launch took place at the Slieve Russell Hotel on Wednesday 9th November 2011 click here to view details.

Official launch photograph click here to view.