Rock of a different kind was featured at Stormont today as NI Executive Minister Arlene Foster launched a Biodiversity and Geodiversity Strategy.

Following on from the successful rock concerts of recent years, rocks of the 'Flintstone' variety featured at Stormont, as Arlene Foster welcomed the publication of the Quarry Products Association's strategy for Northern Ireland's quarrying and aggregates industry.

Launching the 'Our Nature with Aggregates' strategy, the Minister said: "This strategy has been produced by a major Northern Ireland industry which employs over 5,000 people and is worth £730 million annually to the local economy.

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"This is a first for business and for biodiversity and I warmly congratulate the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) in taking this initiative, which my Department has been happy to support.

"Northern Ireland's unique geological richness is known right around the world, as is its wonderful landscape and biodiversity.

"This strategy will help to safeguard and enhance this heritage while showcasing the industry’s commitment to ensuring that it continues to operate sustainably."

Speaking at the launch of the 'Our Nature with Aggregates' strategy, Laverne Bell, the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Officer for QPANI said: "Many people don't realise that working quarries provide important habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.

"Nesting Peregrine Falcons, for example, are a feature of many quarries. This Strategy for the industry builds on the themes of awareness, action, involvement and partnership to conserve and enhance Northern Ireland's rich biodiversity and geodiversity," she explained.

(JM)