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South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has welcomed a commitment from the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, to protect the Mourne Mountains, after the Minister met with the Forever Mournes steering group which represents a number of organisations interested in the protection and enhancement of the Mournes.
Mr McMurray described the Mournes as a widely treasured landscape for people ranging from the farmers and communities that make their living there to the many visitors who come for recreational purposes, adding that the area is a vital source of employment and business for the local community. He said the area has faced growing challenges over the years, leading to increased pressure on local resources and the natural environment, with issues such as parking congestion, path erosion, biodiversity loss, littering and rural arson becoming significant concerns that need to be addressed to protect the mountains and their surrounding areas.
During the meeting, the Forever Mournes Steering Group raised the need for improved infrastructure to manage visitor pressures, including parking provision and a sustainable path network. Mr McMurray welcomed the publication of the Strategic Framework and Action Plan on wildfires, saying there is increasing recognition among the public that such fires are not natural or helpful to upland management and environmental renewal.
Mr McMurray said that after years of previous DAERA Ministers overlooking the significance of the Mournes, Minister Muir has taken a different approach, pointing to the establishment of the Strategic Group for the Mournes and the launch of the new Strategic Framework aimed at managing and reducing wildfires as important progress towards securing the sustainability of the area.
He said: "Everyone has a role to play in protecting this special landscape. I thank the Minister for showing vital leadership in prioritising this important issue, and his ongoing efforts to enhance the region's sustainability."
