A feasibility study is under way for a plan to create the first geopark to span both sides of the Irish border

Local authorities in County Down and County Louth have commissioned a study into the proposal

The project needs to be officially designated by Unesco

A geopark is a territory which includes a significant geological heritage and a sustainable territorial development strategy supported by a European program to promote development

The proposed new geopark would stretch from the Mourne Mountains, taking in Carlingford Lough, Slieve Gullian in County Armagh and several forests, including Ravensdale and Slieve Foye

Louth County Manager Conn Murray told the Irish Times that there was "tremendous potential to further develop sustainable tourism in the east border region"

Louth and Dundalk Town Council were working with their counterparts in Newry and Mourne District Council to advance the geopark initiative