Environmental group receives cash boost to further work in lough

Environmental group receives cash boost to further work in lough

30 March 2016

A CASH-strapped local environmental body has received a financial boost from Stormont.

The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP) has been awarded over £84,000 by Environment Minister Mark Durkan to allow it to continue with its environmental work in and around Strangford Lough.

The money comes from the Environment Fund, managed by the Department of the Environment which has been made available for the protection and improvement of habitats, the quality of air and water and access to the natural environment.

Like other environmental organisations in Northern Ireland, the Partnership has been hit by the ongoing government spending cuts programme which has threatened to curtail its work.

Mr Durkan said the funding will go directly towards enhancing the Strangford Lough and Lecale area which he described as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the North and an area of international importance for nature. 

“It will also bring benefits to the local communities who engage and take pride in the landscape where they live and work,” he said.

“I have seen at first hand the value of the work of the SLLP and this funding will enable it to continue to provide a range of conservation, environmental and visitor functions within the AONB.

“Habitats, species and wetlands in the area will benefit. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving the quality of key habitats such as maritime and marine areas and addressing threats to the environment by undertaking initiatives to reduce marine litter, which is currently a blot on our coastline.”

The Minister said the projects will also provide volunteering opportunities and include initiatives to maintain and enhance access to the countryside.

The chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council Mickey Ruane said the natural environment is what underpins everyone.

“I am delighted that after a year in which central government funding to the sector went through considerable uncertainty, the Department of the Environment through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has now awarded the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership funding to continue the essential work managing our most precious landscape and our internationally important marine life and coastal birds in our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” he said. 

“I look forward to working with the NIEA in the future to securing a long lasting partnership approach to managing and resourcing these valuable landscapes, our home.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough, Alderman Alan Graham, also welcomed the award.

“We warmly welcome the award of funding to the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership and look forward to working for another year with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with the NIEA and with the SLLP Advisory Committee towards the wise management of this special area,” said Mr Graham. 

“From Island Hill and Scrabo at the north of the Strangford and Lecale AONB to Exploris, which is due to re-open in the summer, and Ballyquintin Point at the south, we have a fantastic attraction for local people and visitors alike. 

“As well as being extremely lovely, the area is of international importance for its wildlife, is replete with historic heritage, boasts highly productive farmland and fisheries delivering top-quality food to our shops and restaurants, and affords great opportunities for outdoor recreation on both land and sea. By working together in partnership we have the best chance of protecting and enjoying this amazing place and this award of funds will help us to do so.”