Cross-sectoral Mourne Mountains group aiming to tackle 'pressures' on area
A Northern Ireland government Mournes Strategic Group has been established to tackle “increasing and complex pressures” on the area.
The group is intended to provide leadership and coordination across government and partner organisations in the Mournes.
It will be chaired by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew 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."
Cross-sectoral
According to DAERA, 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 a member.
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 said: "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."
Group members
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.
