DAERA Minister MLA has announced the
establishment of a new NI Government Mournes Strategic Group, to
provide leadership and coordination across government and partner
organisations in the Mournes.
The Group will be chaired by Minister Muir and will seek to bring
together key government departments, agencies, councils and
delivery partners to drive a more joined-up approach to the
sustainable management of the Mournes landscape.
Announcing the initiative, Minister Muir said: "The Mournes is an
incredibly special place which is used and treasured by people
right across Northern Ireland. However, the area is facing
increasing and complex pressures which must be effectively
addressed if we are to protect the natural beauty of the area,
whilst ensuring a thriving future for the local communities in
the Mournes. Through the establishment of this Strategic Group we
are putting in place the leadership and coordination needed to
respond to existing and emerging pressures."
The establishment of the Group reflects the need for a
cross-sectoral and cross-government response to challenges in the
Mournes, informed by ongoing research and engagement on the
future management of the area.
Such need was highlighted in research commissioned by the
Department of Finance, including a study by the James Hutton
Institute, into the long-term future for the Mournes.
Representatives from relevant Departments, Agencies, and Councils
will be invited to comprise membership of the group. The Forever
Mournes Partnership will also be included as members.
Organisations are now being invited to nominate representatives
and provide feedback on the Terms of Reference ahead of the
Group's first meeting.
Minister Muir added: "The group will provide a strong foundation
for collaborative action. I look forward to working with partners
to ensure this Group delivers tangible improvements in the
Mournes. This is about bringing the right people together to
deliver real, practical outcomes protecting the environment,
supporting sustainable economic activity, and ensuring the
long-term resilience of the Mournes."
A spokesperson for the Forever Mournes Partnership said: The
establishment of the NI Government's Mournes Strategic Group is a
significant milestone, providing the leadership and coordination
needed to protect this special landscape while supporting the
communities who live and work here. We look forward to
collaborating with the Group to achieve lasting outcomes for the
Mournes.
Nigel McKinney of Mourne Heritage Trust said: The sustainable
future of the Mournes can never be achieved by a single
organisation or agency and requires real cooperation and
collaboration on a cross sector basis allied to proper
resourcing. It is encouraging and timely to see this new
strategic group being established given the increasing challenges
the habitats, people and places in the Mournes face.
The inaugural meeting of the Strategic Group is expected to take
place in September, following completion of the nomination
process.
Notes to editors:
- The NI Government Mournes Strategic Group will be chaired by
the DAERA Minister.
- Its Terms of Reference set out its purpose, role, membership
and governance arrangements.
- Membership will include government departments, agencies,
local authorities and key stakeholders.
- The Group will support a coordinated approach to
environmental protection, land management and sustainable
development in the Mournes.
- Invitations to nominate representatives are being issued to
relevant organisations.
- Further information on the Hutton Research is available at:
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/long-term-sustainable-future-mourne-mountains.
