NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots was in the heart of the Mourne Mountains today to launch a scheme to protect one of Northern Ireland's most scenic landscapes.

Mr Poots visited the Silent Valley Reservoir to launch the Management Plan for the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Minister said: "This management plan will help promote and protect the area’s beautiful landscape by co-ordinating the actions of public agencies over the next five years. The plan will support those who wish to protect the wonderful qualities for which the area was originally designated as an AONB.

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"The plan will also help address some of the challenges that landowners or trustees may face, for example from recreational use."

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been implementing a policy of reviewing areas designated as Areas of Natural Beauty.

The purpose of designation is to allow the Department of the Environment to formulate voluntary management proposals to promote public enjoyment and access. NIEA aims to publish a management plan for all Northern Ireland’s AONBs.

The Minister paid tribute to the Mourne Heritage Trust who helped with the preparation of the plan and to all those who contributed to it, including the three local councils, government departments, and community and farming organisations.

(NS/BMcc)