“Huge potential” for EU funding for National Parks

He also suggested that there is “huge potential” for EU funding to help with the establishment of a National Park in Northern Ireland.

The idea of designating the area around Benevenagh as part of Northern Ireland’s first ‘National Park’ has gained some traction, although farmers who own land in that area are fervently opposed to the plans.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood, however, appears to be broadly supportive of the idea and has suggested a range of locations, including Benevenagh and the Causeway Coast, as possible candidates.

Last week, local farmers Brian Casey and Geoffrey Douglas, supported by the local branch of the Ulster Farmer’s Union, outlined the reasons for their concern.

Both men pointed to the level of what they called ‘red tape’ – restrictive legislation – which was already preventing them from effectively farming their land. They said that any proposal which could worsen an already bad situation with regards to legislation should be opposed.

Now, however, Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has attempted to allay the concerns of farmers such as Mr Casey and Mr Douglas.

Asked by South Belfast MLA Anna Lo about his discussions with Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill on “the potential for EU funding streams” as an “incentive for the farming community to support the designation of National Parks in their area,” Mr Attwood stressed that the designation of a National Park, in Benevenagh or elsewhere, would come without “further regulation.”

He said: “I am continuing with my programme of meetings with individuals and organisations that are both for and against national parks. When I have considered the different perspectives, I will reach a judgement on the way forward.

“I have stressed to the farming community and to others that the model of park that I am talking about is ‘designation without further regulation’. Some people continue to portray this version of a national park – even when they have been advised otherwise – as coming with more regulation. This is not the case, be it with regard to planning, livestock, crops, or anything else.

“I will continue to argue the case for rural development. With so many out of work, and possibly another 20,000 on the far side of welfare reform, I would be negligent if I did not turn over every stone to develop rural work opportunities.

“My argument is that jobs can be grown round our heritage. This is most evident in rural areas, and it is there that most opportunities exist. I will not give up on this argument, and others should be making the argument with me.

“In talking with people I believe a good way forward can be found. I hope that others will work with me to do so. On the far side of this conversation, I will propose how to proceed, acknowledging the principle that there cannot be imposition of a national park.

“I believe there is huge potential to access much greater EU funding. To advance this, DOE held a conference of AFBI on 26 March 2013, I have directed the Permanent Secretary to identify increased resources, met with officials on 25 March 2013 to identify how to escalate DOE and DOE/DARD EU opportunities, including through a more comprehensive input into the current preparation by London of its EU Priorities Programme. This is all about greater opportunities for our rural community and its farmers. This strategy needs maximised, whatever about support or otherwise for National Parks.”