Little support for Mournes National Park plan

Little support for Mournes National Park plan

12 September 2012

THERE was widespread opposition to the possible designation of a Mournes National Park during a public meeting in Newcastle last week.

Opponents of the proposal vastly outweighed supporters in the 700-strong audience who crowded into the Slieve Donard Hotel on Tuesday evening.

The Mournes is one area being considered for a national park by Environment Minister, Alex Attwood. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK without a national park and the minister wants two to be created.

There are 15 national parks in Great Britain and six in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Attwood has identified the Mournes, the Causeway coast, the Antrim Glens and Fermanagh Lakelands as likely areas for national parks in Northern Ireland.

The Minister was unable to attend the meeting but a spokesman said he is very committed to explaining to key groups the benefits of national parks.

Mr. Attwood’s SDLP colleague, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, said: “We want, along with the people of south Down, to see the best outcome in terms of economic prosperity for all the people of the Mournes.

“We must try to achieve that and that means everybody getting around the table and finding a solution.”

Jason Rankin, of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, said: “Farmers are here from all over Northern Ireland who are passionately opposed to these proposals.

“Farmers in England are restricted in so many ways which we can ill afford at a time when we’re looking to the agri-food industry to take us out of recession in Northern Ireland.”

Valerie Hanna, of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty residents group, which is opposed to the plan, said: “Large companies do not locate to national parks.”

“House prices rise and rates will rise too because people look at national

parks as a status symbol where they can buy a second home.”

Speaking in favour of the national park designation was Audrey Byrne, President of Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, who said a national park could have a significant economic impact on the area.

Newcastle councillor Patrick Clarke has urged Mr. Attwood to outline the legal rights and implications for farmers and landowners regarding their land being designated for national park status.

He added: “There are a significant number of farmers and landowners who are deeply concerned at the implications and restrictions they would face if National Park status was awarded.

South Down Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard said his party could not support any proposal for a national park in the absence of full consultation and agreement from the local community.

“National parks cannot and should not be foisted upon any community without their consent,” he said.

“The local community’s current and future needs must be taken into account in taking forward any proposal.”