Union continues its opposition to National Parks legislation

Published on 23/06/2012 08:20

NATIONAL Parks have been in the media again this week with speculation about possible candidate areas for designation as National Parks. The Ulster Farmers’ Union remains totally opposed to the creation of enabling legislation for National Parks.

UFU president Harry Sinclair said: “Our members have very significant concerns in relation to the creation of National Parks. Our members remain concerned that if their land becomes part of a National Park they will be unable to continue farming in a practical way resulting in an enormous impact on their businesses.”

The union is fully aware that there are National Parks elsewhere in the UK and the Republic of Ireland; however, land ownership within these National Parks is completely different to what exists here in Northern Ireland. The vast majority of the land concerned in Northern Ireland is privately rather than publicly owned. For these reasons, it is very clear that the National Park models in UK and the Republic of Ireland cannot be transposed within a Northern Ireland context.

Harry continued: “Against this background of extreme uncertainty and concern, particularly in relation to governance, funding and liability, and of the very different land ownership pattern within Northern Ireland, the UFU remains firmly opposed to the National Parks project within Northern Ireland.

“Ultimately, we believe that as a core principle only those living within any possible National Park area, rather than those who live outside the area who think that a National Park is a good idea, can decide if such a designation will be of benefit to them and their area. We will also continue to work on behalf of our members to ensure their very genuine concerns are heard and to oppose the introduction of National Parks legislation in Northern Ireland.”

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Union continues its opposition to National Parks legislation

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