National Parks Plan Shelved

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has said he will not be pushing for legislation to introduce national parks in Northern Ireland.

He said: "I am of the view that the concept of national parks has much to offer Northern Ireland. National parks could boost tourism and boost the economy, while helping to protect and promote our unique environment in the North.

"I do not though, want to impose national parks on people. While it is clear that the idea of national parks in Northern Ireland enjoys some level of support, many of those living in proposed national park areas have not yet been won over by the argument in favour of them. Nor have all the political parties at Stormont, meaning that enabling legislation would have little chance of successfully negotiating the Assembly process."

Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) President Harry Sinclair welcomed the news. "The National Parks debate has been ongoing for nearly a decade and farmers living in the Mournes, the Glens of Antrim, and the other areas earmarked as possible national parks will be breathing a sigh of relief today," he said.

"Fundamental to this whole issue is the debate around land ownership. The vast majority of land in Northern Ireland is privately owned, which is completely different to elsewhere in the UK and the Republic of Ireland where national parks have been established. In fact, here in Northern Ireland even access to publicly owned land is restricted.

"No one has yet proved or qualified what the benefits will be to the landowners, who ultimately will be the most affected by a national park designation. Instead of spending millions of pounds establishing and running a national park we believe the money would be better spent enabling local areas to promote and develop their own tourism and recreation opportunities."

But Minister Durkan added: "While the timing is not yet right for the introduction of national parks legislation, the importance of protecting and promoting our environment is too great to simply ignore. I will therefore continue to seek other opportunities to promote and protect our wonderful landscapes and historic buildings for the enjoyment and benefit of locals and visitors alike."

(IT/JP)