Waterways top the agenda at stakeholders meetings

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has urged the public to play their part in the protection and improvement of Northern Ireland waterways.

The Minister was speaking today ahead of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Autumn Catchment Stakeholder Group meetings. These will be held across the province and are designed to provide everyone with an opportunity to speak to NIEA staff about working together to address local water issues to improve the water environment.

The Minister said: “Through the Catchment Stakeholder Group Meetings, NIEA are taking a co-operative approach to the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the water environment, from source to sea.

“We all depend on our water environment, whether as the source of our drinking water, for recreational use, for agricultural or business purposes and to attract tourists. It is therefore in all our interests that we collectively take on the responsibility for the care of our water to ensure we get the water environment we deserve.”

The Catchment Stakeholder Groups consist of representatives from Government Departments/Agencies, angling groups, landowners, and members of the public. The meetings provide a forum to discuss key local water management issues, influence decisions and assist in the implementation of solutions. They will allow wide participation in the development of River Basin Management Plans and the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

All are welcome to attend the meetings. NIEA would particularly encourage those involved in community initiatives that may help protect and improve waterways to become involved.

Further information about the Catchment Stakeholder Group Meetings can be found at http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. The Catchment Stakeholder Group Meetings will take place on the dates below and begin at 7pm and run to approximately 9pm

· Thursday 1 October in Ballymena Golf Club

· Wednesday 7 October in Island Civic Centre, Lisburn

· Wednesday 14 October in The Grange, Omagh District Council

· Thursday 15 October in Castle Espie, Comber

· Wednesday 21 October in WIN Business Park, Newry

· Wednesday 4 November in Roe Valley County Park

2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office 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.