Beauty of the countryside still under threat

The Campaign for the Protection of the Countryside today claimed that measures to protect our countryside are under threat from some landowners and developers who are putting short term personal profit ahead of the long term good of Northern Ireland. Speaking after a meeting with Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy the Campaign Chairman Patrick Cross said:

“The actions taken last year – with the introduction of Planning Policy Statement 14 - were a balanced attempt to protect the countryside from inappropriate developments while including measures which will allow those who need to live in the countryside and farmers who wish to retire in the countryside to continue to do so.”

Patrick Cross claimed that all the local political parties realised that the previous situation was completely untenable.

“Everyone realises we cannot go back to the previous situation but we are concerned that the current position will be watered down to placate a vociferous minority.”

There are strong environmental, social and economic arguments in favour of the current restrictions claimed Mr Cross.

“On the economic front – tourism is currently undergoing a revival and  was worth £510m to the Northern Ireland economy in 2006 with 3.3million domestic and out of state visitors.(1) The countryside is an important part of  Northern Ireland’s attraction for tourists so we must protect this important asset.”

Mr Cross claimed that TV programmes such as Britain’s Favourite View – which will include Eddie Irvine showing off the beauty of the Strangford area - will hopefully boost tourism further.

“If we relax these restrictions and speculators continue to put personal profit before the good of Northern Ireland then we will all be the poorer in the long term. It is important that the people of Northern Ireland realise the danger that exists”.

Mr Cross invited people to visit the Campaign’s website:
www.countrysideni.org

Notes to Editors

1. Northern Ireland Tourist Board – Tourism Facts 2006

2. Please contact Patrick Cross at info@cpcni.org.uk or 07845876522 for further information.