Dúlra Project Launched
On Monday 2nd August 2004, the beginning of our weeklong Féile festival was kicked off in the morning at the an carn Centre with the official launch of Dúlra, the latest Carntogher Community project.
The project focuses on increasing awareness about the natural environment and promotes the improvement of this environment to encourage a wide diversity of animals and plants. This will initially focus upon Drumnamph wood and will also seek to involve other local landowners through the promotion of the uptake in Countryside Management Grants (see separate article).
The keynote speakers at the event included Martin McGuinness MP who thanked the Association for their warm welcome and stated "This particular project is one that will raise awareness in the local community of the wonderful environmental asset they have on their doorstep. It will also help to educate both young and old about biodiversity issues and foster a sense of involvement and ownership."
The event was also attended by representatives from the projects funders: Rural Development Council, Environment and Heritage Service and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation who all expressed their delight in playing a role in supporting this initiative in Carntogher.
The launch was followed by a family fun afternoon in Drumnamph Wood. With the sun shining the afternoon was a huge success as many locals and visitors enjoyed of the entertainment available. There was something for everyone: Bouncy castles, face painters, falconary display,wildlife display and bee exhibition. The days events were marked by the release of 500 balloons into the sky to signify the launch of Dúlra and the beginning of Féile Charn Tóchair.