Agency draws attention to wonderful environmental assets

A new multi media advertising campaign was launched today highlighting Northern Ireland’s strongest environmental assets.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson launched the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s (NIEA) ‘Wonderful’ campaign celebrating the province’s built and natural heritage.

The Minister said at the launch of the animated adverts at Hillsborough Courthouse: “NIEA is responsible for managing, protecting and promoting altogether some 500 events, sites and properties in Northern Ireland each year.

“However research has shown that relatively few people know that these sites and events exist.

“The new animated advertising campaign will enable the public to view the Agency in a new light.

“Whilst NIEA is widely known as an enforcer of environmental legislation, a prosecutor of environmental crime and a body which seeks to ensure our natural and built heritage is preserved and protected, it is perhaps less appreciated that sites such as this wonderful venue in Hillsborough Courthouse or Carrickfergus Castle and events such as the Bog Snorkelling Championships come under its control.

“These are all properties and events which the public can enjoy and through this campaign we are encouraging local families and tourists to go out and visit them.”

NIEA is responsible for managing, protecting and promoting some 60 nature reserves, 15 visitor centres, 7 country parks and 185 historic sites.

The Agency stages around 300 public events at many of these sites and properties throughout the year.

The majority of NIEA sites and events offer free admission and those few that do charge are held at minimal prices.

The Minister confirmed the animated campaign will run in both traditional and new media. He also revealed the ‘wonderful’ theme will be adapted for future NIEA advertising campaigns.

Mr Wilson said: “The campaign focuses on the word ‘wonderful’ to ensure tourists and locals appreciate and respect the beautiful surroundings in which we live.

“Not only should people avail of the opportunity to visit these events and properties, everyone must do everything they can to ensure those sites remain wonderful.”

Full details on enjoyable and affordable days out this Spring and Summer can be found on the NIEA website

Notes to Editors:

1. NIEA is an executive agency within the Department of the Environment (DOE).
2. NIEA has recently enhanced and will continue to develop its website, making it accessible and beneficial to all. One new feature is the ‘Browsealoud’ facility, which makes it accessible to the print-disabled community.
3. Another feature on the website is the facility to experience virtual tours round a number of NIEA sites and properties.
4. NIEA sites and properties are also perfect spaces for people to get fit and healthy.
5. Copies of the NIEA Events calendar can be found in some local libraries, Tourism Information Centres and NIEA properties. You can also request a hard copy by ringing NIEA on 028 9056 9290
6. For further media information, please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.