PROPOSALS to create national parks in Northern Ireland will be opposed by the UUP it has emerged.
In a statement released on Friday, Tom Elliott, John McCallister and Robin Swann voiced their concern at the proposals labelling them as ‘ill-thought-out’ with potentially ‘huge unintended consequences’.
“We have now come to the opinion that the proposals which we have seen thus far, apart from being poorly communicated, represent no tangible benefit to Northern Ireland, not least the areas of Fermanagh, the Mournes and the Antrim Coast and Glens which are the three areas being considered for National Park status,” the statement read.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said: “At this moment at time there are simply too many uncertainties in regards to what powers the Parks would have, how they would be governed and whether their money they would cost could not be better spent elsewhere.
“The Ulster Unionist Party will be voting against the introduction of National Parks on the floor of the Assembly, as will our Minister, Danny Kennedy, who will vote against it at Executive level.”
John McCallister MLA who represents the Mournes area said: “It has become clear over recent weeks and months that the vast majority of public opinion, especially in the area that I represent, is opposed to the introduction of National Parks.
“This debate has been going on for many years and I generally kept an open mind until firm proposals had been produced. What we have seen thus far, albeit very poorly communicated, represents a totally unworkable position.”
Party colleague and MLA for the North Antrim, Robin Swann added that the North Coast and Glens was already ‘a major tourist attraction, where farmers work hand in hand with Government to utilise tourist potential’.
He added: “The last thing Northern Ireland needs right now is another unaccountable, unhelpful quango which serves no practical purpose but to place restrictions on people’s lives.”
Environment minister Alex Attwood has indicated he would like two National Parks to be created, with the Mournes, the Causeway coast, the Antrim Glens and Fermanagh Lakelands identified as possible areas.
Last week, more than 1,000 people attended the Slieve Donard Hotel to debate the issue, with many voicing their concerns and opposition.
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