Sinn Féin Assembly member Francie Molloy has called on the Environment Minister Alex Attwood to "make it crystal clear that he will not impose National Parks on communities without proper consultation and importantly agreement".

The Mid-Ulster MLA said: "Over the summer months we have had a series of confusing signals being sent out by the Environment Minister Alex Attwood on the issue of imposing National Parks on the north. It is fairly obvious that Mr Attwood is personally enthusiastic about the proposition despite widespread opposition from land owners and residents in the areas directly affected.

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"In the Assembly today Mr Attwood seemed to dance on the head of a pin on the issue. It wasn’t clear from his responses to Assembly questions whether he is proceeding with the proposal, moving away from it or playing for more time. Given the strength of feeling out there on this issue people have a right to know what the Minister intends to do in the coming period.

"The first thing which needs to happen is for Mr Attwood to make it crystal clear that he will not impose National Parks on communities without proper consultation and importantly agreement with those people living in the areas affected."

(CD)