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22/08/2012
National Parks: Attwood Vs The Ulster Farmers Union
The Ulster Farmers Union have come out against plans for national parks in Northern Ireland.
It follows a meeting they had with Stormont's environment minister Alex Attwood earlier this week where they discussed his department's plans to set up two national parks in either the Cauesway Coast, the Fermangh Lakelands or the Mourne Mountains.
The UFU said decisions on national parks should be made by those living in the area.
President Harry Sinclair said: "We have consistently highlighted that there are genuine and deep-seated concerns from our members across a very wide range of issues particularly on the areas of bureaucracy, additional restrictions, governance, access, liability, and the impact on the social structure of these areas. These very real issues clearly remain."
The minister rebuffed their opposition, saying he has the support of five chambers of commerce in the foothills of the Mournes.
Mr Attwood said: "Where there is overall support, it seems to me reasonable, democratic and proper to say, 'if you think this is a good idea, we think this is a good idea'."
The minister hopes to bring his plans before the Assembly this autumn.
(NE)
It follows a meeting they had with Stormont's environment minister Alex Attwood earlier this week where they discussed his department's plans to set up two national parks in either the Cauesway Coast, the Fermangh Lakelands or the Mourne Mountains.
The UFU said decisions on national parks should be made by those living in the area.
President Harry Sinclair said: "We have consistently highlighted that there are genuine and deep-seated concerns from our members across a very wide range of issues particularly on the areas of bureaucracy, additional restrictions, governance, access, liability, and the impact on the social structure of these areas. These very real issues clearly remain."
The minister rebuffed their opposition, saying he has the support of five chambers of commerce in the foothills of the Mournes.
Mr Attwood said: "Where there is overall support, it seems to me reasonable, democratic and proper to say, 'if you think this is a good idea, we think this is a good idea'."
The minister hopes to bring his plans before the Assembly this autumn.
(NE)
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