Minister launches plan to help protect the beauty of the mournes

Environment Minister Edwin Poots was in the heart of the Mourne Mountains today to launch a scheme to protect one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic landscapes.

Mr Poots visited the Silent Valley Reservoir to launch the Management Plan for the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Minister said: "This management plan will help promote and protect the area’s beautiful landscape by co-ordinating the actions of public agencies over the next five years. The plan will support those who wish to protect the wonderful qualities for which the area was originally designated as an AONB.

"The plan will also help address some of the challenges that landowners or trustees may face, for example from recreational use."

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been implementing a policy of reviewing areas designated as Areas of Natural Beauty

The purpose of designation is to allow the Department of the Environment to formulate voluntary management proposals to promote public enjoyment and access. NIEA aims to publish a management plan for all Northern Ireland’s AONBs.

The Minister paid tribute to the Mourne Heritage Trust who helped with the preparation of the plan and to all those who contributed to it, including the three local councils, government departments, and community and farming organisations.

Notes to editors

1. NIEA provided financial support to the Mourne Heritage Trust towards the preparation of the management plan which will operate from 2010 to 2015. NIEA also sat on the steering group which included representatives from each of the three local councils, government departments and community and farming organisations including Ulster Farmers’ Union and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association.
2. NIEA has been implementing the Shared Horizons 2003 policy of reviewing areas designated under the 1965 legislation and seeking their redesignation under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. The purpose of designation is to allow the Department to formulate voluntary management proposals for the AONB and enable its promotion for public enjoyment and access. NIEA aims to publish a management plan for each of the AONBs designated under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order (NI) Order 1985.
3. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.