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With goodwill on all sides, the Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside looks forward to the establishment of a Mourne National Park that will be a worthwhile asset for Northern Ireland, and particularly so for those lucky enough to reside in that delightful area.
With goodwill on all sides, the USPC looks forward to the establishment of a Mourne National Park that will be a worthwhile asset for Northern Ireland
It is an accepted fact that our countryside is one of our greatest assets. It follows that it should have the best structures and adequate resources to maintain it’s appeal, especially if it’s most important parts have a high amenity value at both a national and international level.
The purpose in proposing the creation of a Mourne National Park is “to safeguard scenery of great beauty, which is a national asset and not merely of local interest and concern, and to protect the natural flora and fauna of the area”
In this respect we are aware of the importance of the work of the farming community and how this contributes to the overall beauty of the countryside.
The Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside supports the principles of National Parks and the need to provide them in Northern Ireland, and in particular that area of South County Down which includes the Mountains of Mourne.
It would contend that National Parks have value not only in countryside management and recreation, but also in the provision of additional facilities for residents, and those engaged in local agriculture and rural business who wish to promote products and services using the National Park brand image.
Tourism, based on the provision of National Parks, has the potential to greatly increase the attraction of Northern Ireland for visitors, and in particular those areas within National Parks.
Northern Ireland is the only region in Ireland and the United Kingdom without this designation. Throughout the world National Parks are recognised as assets of the highest order and are so well known and accepted that visitors often assume that because of their absence in Northern Ireland we have nothing equivalent to offer.
In working toward the creation of a Mourne National Park the USPC would not countenance any change in the character of the countryside, but would only wish to see it developed so as to harmonise the two dominant principles; that the characteristic beauty of the landscape within the proposed Park area would be preserved, and that visitors could have access and facilities for recreation and enjoyment.
Northern Ireland is the only region in Ireland and the United Kingdom without National Parks designation
With the establishment of a Mourne National Park, a first in Northern Ireland, we will have the opportunity to protect from desecration one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Mountains of Mourne and the surrounding countryside are world famous, and it is essential that we retain its beauty for the pleasure of those residing within it or visiting to share it.
Two matters are causing particular concern for residents within the boundary of the proposed Mourne National Park. These relate to the possibility of more stringent future planning and building controls within a National Park, and also the accessing of open countryside for recreational walking.
In respect of countryside planning, the Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside suggests that all future planning decisions will be the prerogative of the relevant government minister acting on decisions agreed by members of the Legislative Assembly at Stormont.
This allows for local representation to government in respect of any special considerations in respect of National Parks.
The world famous Mountains of Mourne and surrounding countryside is one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland and the United Kingdom
With regard to accessing the countryside of Mourne for recreational walking, the current situation is that there has always been a happy relationship between farmers and walkers.
Almost all of the activity related to recreational walking is limited to the open country area of the high mountains of Mourne, and the immediate surrounding uplands, which provide the access routes. There is public access to Slieve Croob at the northern extremity of the proposed National Park.
Outside the high mountain areas, there is little evidence of any desire for recreational off-road walking within the proposed National Park boundary, other than in Department of Agriculture and Rural Development forest plantations and parks, other Public Authority and National Trust lands, and on prescribed off-road walkways.
Current “Occupiers’ Liability” legislation causes concern for both farmers and recreational walkers, and hinders efforts to satisfy both groups. Recent efforts by the DoE Environment and Heritage Service to amend this legislation were unsuccessful, and did not provide any satisfactory solution.
The Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside therefore proposes a simple solution to the problem of Occupiers’ Liability in respect of recreational walkers. It requests that the Stormont Assembly provide legislation that would indemnify farmers and landowners from any responsibility toward recreational walkers.
For more information on the proposed Mournes National Park, contact:
The Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside
22 Donegall Road
Belfast BT12 5JN
t: 028 9024 9006
e: uspcinfo@tiscali.co.uk
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