SDLP Assembly Member for South Down, Margaret Ritchie, has urged the Minister for the Environment not to cut funding to the Mourne Heritage Trust.

Miss Ritchie said, “The Mourne Heritage Trust is funded through the Natural Heritage Grants Programme. This programme is in turn financed by the NI Environment Agency who are a agency of the Department of the Environment.

Earlier this year the Minister had announced that the NIEA would receive an overall reduced level of funding. I am deeply concerned the knock on effect of this reduction in funding would lead to funding cuts to the Mourne Heritage Trust.

The Trust is a front line service to the Mourne area, and is particularly needed at the present time. The Trust has been widely viewed as a success since its inception and has delivered significantly across the board. Any reduction in funding would jeopardise the Trusts ability to implement significant projects including the Mourne Tourism Signature Project and a proposed Big Lottery Project which would provide outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities, plus disadvantaged and minority groups.

Following a recent meeting with both the Mourne Heritage Trust and the Greater Newcastle Tourism Business Group, I made representations to the Minister for the Environment outlining the good work already done by the Mourne Heritage Trust, and the work intended to be completed in the future. I had also requested the Minister ensures that funding for the Mourne Heritage Trust is ring fenced.

I have been advised by the Minister that cuts to the Natural Heritage Grants Programme will be minimised this year despite the overall reduced level of funding available. While I cautiously welcome this undertaking, I will be renewing my representations until I receive an assurance that funding for the Trust is secured and it can continue with its contribution to the environmental management of the Mournes.”

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