"Real Map of Ireland" on display at FarmFest 08

Staff of the Marine Institute came ashore on Friday 20th June to display the "Real Map of Ireland" to the farming community and members of the general public at the annual FarmFest event, which was held on the Teagasc campus in Athenry, Co. Galway.

The event, which is estimated to have attracted well over 20,000 visitors, featured a wide range of displays, exhibits and demonstrations on every aspect of farming and rural life.

The Institute's stand featured its work on marine mapping, wave energy, salmon catchment management and harmful marine algal blooms. Visitors to the stand could also come face to face with a number of live denizens of the deep in the "Galway Explorers" touch tank, which had been brought along by staff of the Galway Atlantaquaria, who are partners in this innovative education and outreach scheme.

The stand was also visited by a number of important VIPs who took a keen interest in the displays, including Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Mr. Brendan Smith T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Mr. Eamon O'Cuiv T.D., Mr Noel Tracey T.D. and IFA President Mr. Padraig Walsh - all of whom were presented with a copy of the "Real Map of Ireland".