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05/10/2009
'Signature' Highlights National Park Bid
Initiatives to improve the tourist experience in the Mournes are continuing, regardless of a controversial proposal for its designation as a National Park, writes Carla Liebana.
The NI Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster has launched the Mournes Signature Project Action Plan, which outlines ongoing work in the zone - already identified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, pictured here by Brian McCalden.
"This project aims to enhance the visitor experience in the Mournes area, a region renowned for its magnificent mountains, countryside and coast," said the Minister.
These improvements include Mournes coastal driving and walking routes, the development of local forest parks, off-road mountain biking trails, outdoor adventure facilities and a public art programme.
Expressing here satisfaction with the work that has been carried out in the region, Arlen Foster said that it was "encouraging" to see the progress being made on the Mournes Signature Project, which is detailed in the action plan.
Produced by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), the development of this and other similar projects in the area has £4m available as financial assistance.
Stephen Bill, NITB Manager of the Mournes Signature Project, stated: "The action plan will be issued by the NITB to local tourism businesses and key stakeholders in order to keep them abreast of proposed work in the area".
"We have also used the publication to incorporate some unique stories about the area, for example, scientists have suggested that the Mourne Mountains are probably the source for much of Ireland's prehistoric gold.
"This information helps us communicate just how unique the area is, encouraging everyone to realise its tourism potential," he concluded.
Some months ago, when he was Stormont Environment Minister, the MLA Sammy Wilson looked at Northern Ireland having its first National Park - in the Mourne Mountains or in another location.
But a final decision has yet to be taken by the Stormont Executive, in which Mr Wilson is now Finance Minister.
While there are already 14 National Parks in Britain, the establishment of another in the Mournes is a divisive issue with farmers voicing fears about extra restrictions on them and on fears over pushing up property prices.
However, it has also been said that it could create commercial opportunities, especially on the tourism front.
(CL/BMcC)
The NI Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster has launched the Mournes Signature Project Action Plan, which outlines ongoing work in the zone - already identified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, pictured here by Brian McCalden.
"This project aims to enhance the visitor experience in the Mournes area, a region renowned for its magnificent mountains, countryside and coast," said the Minister.
These improvements include Mournes coastal driving and walking routes, the development of local forest parks, off-road mountain biking trails, outdoor adventure facilities and a public art programme.
Expressing here satisfaction with the work that has been carried out in the region, Arlen Foster said that it was "encouraging" to see the progress being made on the Mournes Signature Project, which is detailed in the action plan.
Produced by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), the development of this and other similar projects in the area has £4m available as financial assistance.
Stephen Bill, NITB Manager of the Mournes Signature Project, stated: "The action plan will be issued by the NITB to local tourism businesses and key stakeholders in order to keep them abreast of proposed work in the area".
"We have also used the publication to incorporate some unique stories about the area, for example, scientists have suggested that the Mourne Mountains are probably the source for much of Ireland's prehistoric gold.
"This information helps us communicate just how unique the area is, encouraging everyone to realise its tourism potential," he concluded.
Some months ago, when he was Stormont Environment Minister, the MLA Sammy Wilson looked at Northern Ireland having its first National Park - in the Mourne Mountains or in another location.
But a final decision has yet to be taken by the Stormont Executive, in which Mr Wilson is now Finance Minister.
While there are already 14 National Parks in Britain, the establishment of another in the Mournes is a divisive issue with farmers voicing fears about extra restrictions on them and on fears over pushing up property prices.
However, it has also been said that it could create commercial opportunities, especially on the tourism front.
(CL/BMcC)
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22 March 2004
Mournes National Park takes a step closer
A National Park for the Mournes area of Co Down took a step closer today after the Government confirmed a Chairman for the Working Party set up to bring about the plan is to be appointed.
Mournes National Park takes a step closer
A National Park for the Mournes area of Co Down took a step closer today after the Government confirmed a Chairman for the Working Party set up to bring about the plan is to be appointed.
24 June 2003
Mournes 'National' Park talks continue
Plans for a National Park in the Mournes area were discussed today during a meeting in Co Down. The meeting, held in Newcastle, examined both the proposal and to seek a consensus on how local people, elected representatives and various interested parties can most effectively participate in the process.
Mournes 'National' Park talks continue
Plans for a National Park in the Mournes area were discussed today during a meeting in Co Down. The meeting, held in Newcastle, examined both the proposal and to seek a consensus on how local people, elected representatives and various interested parties can most effectively participate in the process.
24 September 2004
Take advantage of Mournes National Park, delegates told
Delegates at the annual Newry and Mourne Tourism Conference have been urged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the proposed designation of the Mournes as a National Park.
Take advantage of Mournes National Park, delegates told
Delegates at the annual Newry and Mourne Tourism Conference have been urged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the proposed designation of the Mournes as a National Park.
05 September 2012
Major Newcastle Meeting Against Mournes National Park
More than a thousand people have attended an event opposed to national park proposals for the Mourne mountains. The public meeting in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle considered environment minister Alex Attwood's proposals to make the Mournes area one of two new national parks in Northern Ireland.
Major Newcastle Meeting Against Mournes National Park
More than a thousand people have attended an event opposed to national park proposals for the Mourne mountains. The public meeting in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle considered environment minister Alex Attwood's proposals to make the Mournes area one of two new national parks in Northern Ireland.
11 April 2003
Mournes National Park moves a step closer
Minister of the Environment, Angela Smith, has revealed that a further step has been taken towards the designation of a National Park in the Mournes, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. A Steering Group, with nominees from a wide range of interested bodies, has been set up to take forward the designation.
Mournes National Park moves a step closer
Minister of the Environment, Angela Smith, has revealed that a further step has been taken towards the designation of a National Park in the Mournes, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. A Steering Group, with nominees from a wide range of interested bodies, has been set up to take forward the designation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
