Fire strategy call

Fire strategy call

10 August 2022

ALLIANCE politicians have called for Stormont to draw up a new wildfire strategy.

The call comes following a meeting they had with senior National Trust officials last week when reference was made to the devastating wildfires that destroyed over 900 acres of precious habitat in the Mournes in April last year.

South Down MLA Patrick Brown and local councillors Cadigan Enright and David Lee-Surginor met with the National Trust’s Northern Ireland Director Heather McLachlan and other representatives from the charity to discuss their main priorities for work in the area going forward.

Mr Brown said his party welcomed the opportunity to discuss with the National Trust issues and problems in the Murlough area and beyond, explaining that the organisation is responsible for maintaining many areas across South Down, including parts of the high Mournes and Castle Ward.

The MLA said a critically important part of the charity’s work focuses on restoration of the Mournes after last year’s wildfire. He said it only too clear from the discussions with National Trust officials that a new wildfire strategy is required.

“This was promised by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs but has not yet been delivered,” declared Mr Brown, confirming that he will be writing to ask this is delivered as a matter of urgency.

He added: “There is a need for a comprehensive wildfire strategy bringing together relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the damage sustained last year is not repeated.”

Cllr Enright said the recent meeting also focused attention on important long-term issues, includingaccessibility onto Murlough beach and into the Mournes.

There was also discussion around the proposed multi-million pound Mournes Gateway Project, to make sure the environment can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“We also discussed how the restoration of the Ulster Way and other Mournes pathways play an essential role in this and other strategies around how we protect and enhance the Mournes,” confirmed Cllr Enright.

“The National Trust is also leading on improved community engagement in the Mournes, supporting grassroots co-design principles as we look to how we protect and enhance this important area.”

He added: “I look forward to working with my Alliance colleagues in the area to continue to support them going forward.”

Cllr Lee-Surginor South Down is incredibly fortunate to have some of the most beautiful scenery and natural environment in Northern Ireland. But he said this must be protected and looked after. 

“It is essential that the work of the National Trust and other groups is supported to make sure all our visitors are able to enjoy these areas responsibly for generations to come,” he added.