08/10/2003
Mourne 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 its intention to set up a new independent working party to advise on the establishment of such a scheme.
Known as the Mourne National Park Working Party, the decision to set up such a group is a direct result of the key recommendation from 'An Invitation to Contribute' - the first major consultative event on the way forward for a Mournes National Park, held in Newcastle in June.
Commenting on the plans, NIO Minister, Angela Smith said: “I recognise the creation of a National Park in the Mournes is of great significance to many people at both a local and national level.
"Therefore, it is vital to involve all those with an interest in the area, and to secure both their support and confidence in the work that will lead to the establishment of the National Park."
The working party will be chaired by an independent chairman and supported by professional staff. The appointment of the chairman and members will be agreed over the forthcoming weeks with its work running in parallel with the development of new primary legislation enabling the designation of National Parks in Northern Ireland, on which consultation will commence in Spring 2004.
(MB)
Known as the Mourne National Park Working Party, the decision to set up such a group is a direct result of the key recommendation from 'An Invitation to Contribute' - the first major consultative event on the way forward for a Mournes National Park, held in Newcastle in June.
Commenting on the plans, NIO Minister, Angela Smith said: “I recognise the creation of a National Park in the Mournes is of great significance to many people at both a local and national level.
"Therefore, it is vital to involve all those with an interest in the area, and to secure both their support and confidence in the work that will lead to the establishment of the National Park."
The working party will be chaired by an independent chairman and supported by professional staff. The appointment of the chairman and members will be agreed over the forthcoming weeks with its work running in parallel with the development of new primary legislation enabling the designation of National Parks in Northern Ireland, on which consultation will commence in Spring 2004.
(MB)
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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.
08 March 2016
Co Antrim Firm To Officially Sponsor Grand National From 2017
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21 December 2023
Seasonal Workers Urged To 'Check Their Pay'
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.