NIEA Update January 2012

The NHGP is expected to open again in late spring 2012 with a closing date in August for projects wishing to commence from April 2013.

There will continue to be reduced opening hours at some NIEA properties as a result of budget reductions.  See NIEA's website for details.

The public consultation on Enabling Legislation for National Parks received 69 substantive responses (plus 164 identical letters objecting to a Mourne National Park and 4 identical letters in support of national parks). A substantial majority were quite critical of the Department’s proposals. However, the responses were so varied that no clear consensus has emerged.

The Draft Programme for Government was published on the 17^th of November and is available for download. Priority 2 focuses on Creating Opportunities, Tackling Disadvantage and Improving Health and Well-Being

The Northern Ireland summary of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment was published in October 2011 and more information can be found on the NIEL website.

The following areas have recently been designated as ASSIs:

Site                     Council
Kilkeel Steps       Newry & Mourne
Kilcoan                Larne
Maghaberry         Lisburn
Capecastle          Moyle
Carneal                Larne