Most Likely National Parks 19 June 2012
Minister Attwood reveals most likely National Parks areas
Environment Minister
Alex Attwood today announced the most likely candidate areas for designation as
a National Park.
The Mournes, the
Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens and the Fermanagh Lakelands are the three areas
identified – from a list of 12 through an independent assessment process.
The Minister also
confirmed that his plan is not for one, but two National Parks, when
designation happens.
Alex Attwood said: “The
Built and Natural Heritage is a big part of the great quality of our lives and
a big part of tourism and jobs in the future. Northern Ireland is the only part
of these islands that does not have National Parks. It is time to grasp the
opportunity.
“National Parks,
modelled for our circumstances here, can be a strong way to protect our
environment and secure jobs.
“Last Autumn, I asked
a panel of experts to advise on ‘a league table ‘ of provisional National Park
areas. Twelve were assessed – three came out on top – Causeway Coast/Antrim
Glens, the Mournes and the Fermanagh Lakelands.”
The Minister said
that he believed that now was the time for Northern Ireland legislation for
National Parks: “I am circulating a paper to Executive Colleagues
recommending they endorse the principle of National Parks legislation. I hope
to achieve this before the July holidays.
“While this is my
shortlist, if an exceptional argument is made elsewhere I will still listen. At
the same time, I will work to create a model of National Parks, different from
elsewhere, suitable for NI circumstances and I will work to reassure all that
National Parks is an opportunity not a threat. I know some will have anxieties
– I believe I can give reassurances that see the biggest buy–in possible to
National Parks.”
The Minister
concluded: “I hope to see not one but two National Parks created in the
first instance. This would advertise the scale and wonder of our heritage and
create jobs in times of need. The ‘shortlist’ should excite interest and be a
catalyst to move the argument on positively.”
