Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

CLLR BURNS SEEKS MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DISCUSS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF RURAL AREAS

Published: 19 June, 2009

At a recent Council meeting, Sinn Fein Councillor Colman Burns has proposed that officials arrange a meeting with the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, to discuss major issues concerning environmental protection in rural areas.
Councillor Burns continued, "Over the last number of years, we as local councillors, have been contacted by the public about several incidents of environmental concern, from river pollution and rubbish dumping to major works being carried out without any assessment of the impact that the works would have on the environment.
We have brought these concerns to the attention of the Environmental Department in Council. This department are a very hard working bunch of people who act immediately when they are contacted about any incidents. Major issues of concern have to be passed on and dealt with by the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency and this is where the urgency is sucked out of the process.
Councillor Burns continued, "Too often, when immediate action is needed, nothing happens for months and in many cases years. We are given many reasons for this, mainly boiling down to 'lack of resources'. This lack of immediate action is hugely frustrating for councillors as well as concerned citizens. Meanwhile, environmental vandalism continues with little or no immediate protection.
I have called for a meeting with the Environment Minister to air these concerns and to explain to him the frustrations felt at the perceived lack of urgency in dealing with serious issues that need immediate action. If more resources are needed to deal with these problems, then I will be calling on the Minister to do what ever is needed to ensure that our environment is protected".
Councillor Burns finished by pointing out that we are very fortunate in Newry and Mourne to have two officially recognised 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty', we have some of the best rivers and lakes in the country and we have several 'Areas of Special Scientific Interest'. " The onus is on each and everyone of us to protect our natural resources for the benefit of, not only our generation, but future generations"