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Story of the Copper Coast Geopark

Explore the Leadership, Policies, and Strategies
Management and Governance

Our Organisation

The Copper Coast Geopark is a largely voluntary community organisation.

It is a Company Limited by Guarantee, with Charitable Status. We operate as a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to community development through promotion of sustainable tourism and the development of productive partnerships. The Board is made up of directors from the local community as well as valued members from further afield with varied expertise and experience. The Geopark employs a Visitor Centre Manager and a Geologist. They are backed up by a local management team, several voluntary guides and a workers from FAS and TUS Governance.

A stone building with a clock tower stands in the background under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a large sign reads "Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark Visitor Centre," highlighting its role in management. A smaller informational board is mounted on a stone wall.

COPPER COAST GEOSITES

Learn about the connected geological, historical and cultural heritage of our area.

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Our History

The Geopark grew out of the Copper Coast Tourism Group which had been formed in 1997; our application to join the new European Geoparks Network was accepted in 2001. In 2004, in common with all the European Network Geoparks, the Copper Coast became part of the Global Geoparks Network and in 2015 the relationship with UNESCO, which had always existed was consolidated when Global Geoparks became UNESCO Global Geoparks. Also in 2004, substantial InterReg funding necessitated the forming of a limited company.
The Geopark grew out of the Copper Coast Tourism Group which had been formed in 1997; our application to join the new European Geoparks Network was accepted in 2001. In 2004, in common with all the European Network Geoparks, the Copper Coast became part of the Global Geoparks Network and in 2015 the relationship with UNESCO, which had always existed was consolidated when Global Geoparks became UNESCO Global Geoparks. Also in 2004, substantial InterReg funding necessitated the forming of a limited company.The Geopark grew out of the Copper Coast Tourism Group which had been formed in 1997; our application to join the new European Geoparks Network was accepted in 2001. In 2004, in common with all the European Network Geoparks, the Copper Coast became part of the Global Geoparks Network and in 2015 the relationship with UNESCO, which had always existed was consolidated when Global Geoparks became UNESCO Global Geoparks. Also in 2004, substantial InterReg funding necessitated the forming of a limited company.

The Purchase

InterReg funding enabled, among other things, the purchase of Tankardstown Mining Engine House and Monksland Church. Further funding from Leader has meant that we could do up the church building for use as a multi-purpose Geopark Centre and community facility, with a café, shop, exhibition space and the possibility to use it for small seminars, courses and performances.
A smartphone and a laptop display the Interreg Atlantic Area website. The laptop showcases a welcome message with colorful sections for Blue Innovation, Green Environment, Sustainable Tourism, and Governance. Discover more about initiatives like the Atlantic Geoparks Route through a "More info" button.
Structure

Management and Governance of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark

Explore the Leadership, Policies, and Strategies behind the Conservation and Development of the Copper Coast.
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Directors

Dr. Richard Unitt (Chairperson),
Dr Sarah Gatley,
Donal O’Brien,
Dr. Micheál Lehane
Breda Colfer.

Registered Office

Copper Coast Geopark Ltd., Monksland Centre, Knockmahon, Bunmahon, Co. Waterford, Ireland Registered in Ireland no. 387875. Charity no. CHY16500

Our Supporters

To date we have been greatly assisted by modest financial backing from Waterford City and County Council and the Geological Survey of Ireland and their practical and moral support in many different ways.

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460 Million Years of history and heritage before your eyes.

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Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark