Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark leads the way with Business Sustainability Training Programme

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark has demonstrated their continued commitment to supporting businesses across the Geopark to adapt to and mitigate the challenges presented by climate change when they welcomed another 12 businesses to participate in the Business Sustainability Training Programme.

The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Business Sustainability Training Programme, a first of its kind on the island of Ireland, provides a framework that allows businesses located within Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark to come together to build a sustainable tourism offering setting them apart as exemplar businesses. Through the programme, they learn how to reduce their waste, water and energy consumption, as well as improve their biodiversity, accessibility and inclusion policies.

The programme, now in its third year, is facilitated by Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, a respected and proven leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism. Tina guides businesses through a practical and in depth 14-week programme on topics such as energy and water conservation and management, Leave No Trace, biodiversity, accessibility and inclusion and collaborative marketing.  Participants also have the opportunity to undertake a learning journey to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark in Co Clare to consolidate and inspire their continued learning.

Speaking about the Business Sustainability Training Programme, Chair of the Geopark Committee, Councillor Anthony Feely, said:

‘This programme provides dedicated training bringing local businesses together to undertake learning in areas such as biodiversity, leave no trace and accessibility as well as developing a real understanding of long-term sustainable business practices.

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, through the cross-border partnership of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council is committed to supporting businesses and communities across the Geopark through programmes such as this and demonstrating a best practice approach to sustainable development.’

The businesses participating in the 2024 programme reflect the quality and diversity of enterprises operating within the Geopark and include Belmore Court & Motel, Killinagh House, Farnham Estate, Dowra Courthouse, Drummany Spirit, Drumrush B&B, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, Lough Erne Resort, National Trust Fermanagh, Trinity Island Yoga Retreat, Keenaghan Cottage and Trivia House Accommodation.

Having successfully completed the programme, businesses will have the opportunity to join the Business Sustainability Network made up of those businesses who completed the programme in 2020 and 2022. They will be in good company joining other businesses who have completed the training including Arch House B&B, Blaney Caravan Park, Blue Green Yonder, Corralea Activity Centre, Dulrush Lodge, Erne Water Taxi, Marble Arch Caves, Rushin House Carvan Park and Tullymill Restaurant & Cottages in Co Fermanagh, as well as Cavan Adventure Centre, Drummully Boxty, Hawthorn Lodge, Into the Wild, Jampa Ling, Noeleen Shannon Yoga, The Anglers Rest, Slieve Russell Hotel, Carafin Lodge, The Keepers Arms and the XL Blacklion & Route 16 Café in Co Cavan.

Gráinne Cornally, Manager – Irelands Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, said, ‘Fáilte Ireland is delighted to support this programme which will help businesses to reduce their environmental impact through sustainable methods across areas such as waste, water and energy reduction. This world class training is in line with Fáilte Ireland’s strategic objectives, and central to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Strategy and the draft DEDP of Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border Region.  We wish the businesses well as they work through their sustainability journey and look forward to the continued developments of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark as a leading sustainable tourism destination.’

The programme is funded by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark with support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cavan County Council, and Fáilte Ireland.

If you are interested in your business participating in a future Business Sustainability Training Programme and becoming a part of the Geopark Business Sustainability Network, please contact us via info@cuilcaghlakelands.org.