Ring of Gullion secures funding until March 2016

Following a round of savage cuts to the organisation earlier this year Ring of Gullion is one of 21 environmental projects which has benefited from the Department of Environment’s Natural Environment Fund (NEF) that will enable the Ring of Gullion AONB to continue until the 31st March 2016. The organisation had organised a petition at Change.org highlighting the cuts.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have received £49,000 of the £1.25 million NEF fund which will allow the Ring of Gullion AONB Officer to continue in post and provide part-funding for Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme projects. The funding helps protect the Ring of Gullion AONB landscape, species and access to the countryside. Key projects will be a review of the Ring of Gullion AONB Management Plan, wildfire awareness, maintenance of the Ring of Gullion way, and an invasive species mapping project.   

Councillor Naomi Bailie, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said “The Council and the staff managing the Ring of Gullion AONB & Landscape Partnership would like to express their thanks to all the councillors, everyone who signed our petition and wrote to the Minister and officials who worked so tirelessly for the Ring of Gullion when the Natural Heritage Grant was cut in March. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback from members of the public all over the world and closer to home in regard the work we had being carrying out and the importance of the Ring of Gullion area.” 

“While the funding is only until March, the Council will be working internally and with other environmental organisations across Northern Ireland to lobby the Department of Environment to put in place a long term solution to funding for AONB’s in Northern Ireland. Draft proposals have been drawn up by NI Protected Areas Network there is a way to fund our most treasured landscapes.”

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said “My officials will organise further workshops with key natural and built heritage partners in the summer and autumn to discuss how we can all continue to deliver against key environmental outcomes which include protecting our landscapes, habitats and species and providing opportunities for each of us to explore, enjoy and cherish our environment in the North. Be assured, I will continue to keep seeking ways to find funding for the benefit of our environment.”

If you would like to learn more about the Ring of Gullion and projects in the area, visit the website www.ringofgullion.org or call into the office in Crossmaglen Community Centre, O'Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA Tel:-(028) 3082 8590.