MLAs to talk about future of Lower Bann

The issue arose after the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) withdrew funding for the forthcoming financial year.

The Assembly Member said: “The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has acted in an irresponsible fashion.

“They have shown no regard to the need to ensure any future development of Lough Neagh and the Lower Bann is managed in a way that protects the environment, allows for sustainable development in a way which is balanced and ensures that all interested government departments and other bodies are acting in harmony.

“I am delighted that the Environment Committee has accepted my proposal and has acted swiftly to get the motion accepted by the Assembly’s Business Committee so that it can be debated without delay.

“These committees are joint-funded by NIEA and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure as well as nine local councils. The Assembly’s Culture Arts & Leisure Committee will discuss the same issue this week and three of the councils that have withdrawn funding have been written to. Coleraine Borough Council, which is directly involved as reacted positively.

“I am confident that the committees will be saved and I am particularly interested in the Lower Bann Advisory Committee which has played an important role in advising a whole range of bodies involved in the development of the river for tourism investment.

“It worries me that the NIEA has failed to see the bigger picture and the medium and long term visions for the future. Particularly when the Ulster Canal project is completed and it will be possible to take pleasure boats from the Shannon to the Bann and beyond.

“That will create new opportunities for sustainable, well-paid jobs, new hotels, boat yards and a range of other tourist-leisure related activities.”