Since the report was presented to the Minister in September 2007, she has already met with the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Residents’ Action Group, some of the Mourne Trustees, and the Mourne Mineral Processors Group.
The Minister said: “I am aware of the strength of feelings that some people have about National Parks and the proposed Mourne National Park. It was important for me to hear a wide spectrum of views from interests within and beyond the Mournes.”
At today’s meeting the Minister heard from the three councils within the proposed National Park and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. She also met representatives of most of the Trustee groups and graziers who manage large areas of the Mournes. Wider regional interests such as the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs were invited to express their views, particularly on the implications of National Park legislation for the province as a whole.
Additionally, business and community groups were given the opportunity to express their views on the Mournes.
The Minister will now consider the options for progressing with National Parks, taking account of all the views she has heard.
Notes to Editors:
- The Mourne National Park Working Party (Working Party) presented its report to the Environment Minister on 27 September 2007 in the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, together with the report on the public consultation it conducted.
- The working party was established in October 2004 by DOE at the request of the then Minister Angela Smith MP. It is an independent body appointed to advise the department on a proposed Mourne National Park.
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
