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. The Group met for the first time in Newcastle earlier in the week to start the process of developing detailed proposals.

Commenting on the meeting, the Minister said: “I am delighted that progress is being made on this exciting development. The National Park is a concept of great significance for the people of the Mournes and indeed people throughout Northern Ireland.

“One of the first tasks is to map the way forward. I am determined that we should find a formula which will make the most of the opportunities which National Park designation will open up, particularly for those who live in the Mournes."

Referring to the commitment that she made in February at the launch of a new Protected Landscapes initiative, she added: “It is essential that we find effective ways of involving elected representatives in the process and of consulting local people. I am therefore pleased to learn that it is the unanimous view of the Group that the process must be as open as possible with every opportunity for people to contribute to it and influence the outcome. The Group has set itself the initial task of organising a major consultative event in June 2003.

“The main aim of this event will be to seek the views of elected representatives and local people and to reach a consensus on how they can take part most effectively in helping to shape the National Park. It will also aim to identify the main issues to be addressed in the process and where detailed studies might be needed.”

(MB)