The inaugural meeting of a new strategic group for the Mournes
was today hailed as a significant milestone by the DAERA Minister
.
Minister Muir welcomed the inaugural meeting of the NI Government
Mournes Strategic Group which is chaired by the Minister and
brings together key government departments and agencies alongside
representatives of the Forever Mournes Partnership to support a
sustainable future for the Mournes area.
The Group will provide a strategic forum for collaboration on
issues for the benefit of the region.
Speaking after the first meeting, Minister Muir said: "The
Mournes are one of Northern Ireland's most iconic landscapes and
an area of immense environmental, cultural and economic
importance. The establishment of the new group demonstrates my
commitment to working collaboratively to safeguard and enhance
this special place.
I am determined the group is action orientated, enabling us to
work together on key strategic issues, and provides a mechanism
for the Forever Mournes Partnership to elevate issues for
resolution.
The first meeting focused on a number of key areas including the
potential for regional asset status, visitor infrastructure and
wildfire management with a further meeting to take place later
this year.
A spokesperson for Forever Mournes said: The first meeting of the
Mournes Strategic Group represents an important milestone in the
development of a coordinated approach to the long-term management
of the Mournes. We look forward to ongoing engagement with the
Group and supporting collaborative efforts to help safeguard and
enhance this special landscape for the benefit of local
communities, visitors and future generations.
Notes to editors:
- The first meeting of the NI Government Mournes Strategic
Group took place on 9 September 2026.
- The Group brings together representatives from relevant
government departments and partner organisations.
