A group promoting the sustainable development of the Bannow Bay area in Co Wexford will hold its fourth annual summer school from this weekend. It is in advance of a major study on the future development of the area.
For several years now, various interest groups in the area have been coming together under the umbrella of the Bannow Bay Coastal Zone Management Group (BBCZMG) to discuss how their sometimes conflicting interests can be furthered,
The group recently got funding from the EU Leader programme for a study on the future development of the area. It is to be undertaken in partnership with University College Dublin from next month.
The area is known for its varied wildlife habitats and the many fish species which can be found in the bay. Mr Willie Gleeson, chairman of the BBCZMG - it includes aquaculture, farming, business, tourism and leisure interests - says it is hoped the study will be completed by the end of the year.
In the meantime, the focus is on Saturday's opening night of the summer school which this year is entitled "Bannow Bay - the Future".
Speakers will include Mr Kevin Redmond, of Wexford County Council, Mr Richard Donnelly, of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, and Mr Richard O'Sullivan, of the Bantry Bay Charter, the coastal zone management group in Cork.
This year the school has been extended beyond the opening weekend and next week 22 primary school teachers, half of them based in the area, will attend a five-day educational workshop on the bay.
Admission on Saturday is open to all. The evening begins with a cheese and wine reception at 7 p.m. and closes with an open discussion which is scheduled to conclude at 10 p.m. Colclough Hall in Saltmills is the venue and admission is £5.