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20/06/2012
NI's First National Parks On Way
Three famously picturesque areas of Northern Ireland have been chosen as potential National Parks.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the shortlist of the Mourne Mountains, the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens, and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
They beat off competition from Lough Neagh, Strangford Lough, the Ring of Gullion, Belfast Hills, Binevenagh, Lagan Valley, the Sperrins and Clogher Valley.
Mr Attwood hopes to introduce legislation that would designate two National Parks, bringing increased protection to the areas.
"Northern Ireland is the only part of these islands that does not have National Parks," he said. "It is time to grasp the opportunity."
The minister said that if established, the parks "would advertise the scale and wonder of our heritage and create jobs in times of need".
The panel that decided the shortlist included experts from Queen's University, the Heritage Council and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, joined by an independent adviser on sustainable development in Scotland.
There are six National Parks in the Republic and 15 in the UK.
(NE)
Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the shortlist of the Mourne Mountains, the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens, and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
They beat off competition from Lough Neagh, Strangford Lough, the Ring of Gullion, Belfast Hills, Binevenagh, Lagan Valley, the Sperrins and Clogher Valley.
Mr Attwood hopes to introduce legislation that would designate two National Parks, bringing increased protection to the areas.
"Northern Ireland is the only part of these islands that does not have National Parks," he said. "It is time to grasp the opportunity."
The minister said that if established, the parks "would advertise the scale and wonder of our heritage and create jobs in times of need".
The panel that decided the shortlist included experts from Queen's University, the Heritage Council and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, joined by an independent adviser on sustainable development in Scotland.
There are six National Parks in the Republic and 15 in the UK.
(NE)
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20 August 2012
National Parks Consultation Under Way
Member of the Ulster Farmers Union are meeting with environment minister Alex Attwood today to discuss whether or not Northern Ireland should have national parks.
National Parks Consultation Under Way
Member of the Ulster Farmers Union are meeting with environment minister Alex Attwood today to discuss whether or not Northern Ireland should have national parks.
12 November 2013
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 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.
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.
06 October 2004
Minister points the way for national parks
Environment Minister Angela Smith has announced the publication of a discussion paper on legislation for national parks and other protected landscape areas in Northern Ireland.
Minister points the way for national parks
Environment Minister Angela Smith has announced the publication of a discussion paper on legislation for national parks and other protected landscape areas in Northern Ireland.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
