Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has chaired the first meeting of a forum informing built heritage policy.

The Built Heritage Stakeholders Forum involves high level decision makers from across Northern Ireland and will focus on the contribution of historic buildings to the economy and society.

The creation of the forum was announced during the 'Windows of Opportunity Conference' in May by the former Environment Minister Arlene Foster .

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Mr Wilson said: "I welcome the opportunity to chair the inaugural meeting of this group which will be looking at how our historic environment can be utilised to achieve its maximum potential.

"In fields such as tourism, economic development and community pride the built heritage plays a very important role.

"I am very glad that significant decision makers in all of these fields will be participating today and initiating a discussion which will allow my Department to better understand their approach to these areas, as well as developing their understanding of what the built heritage can offer," added Mr Wilson.

Key contacts in local authorities, the business community, the Construction Employers Federation, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, other government departments and the chairmen of the Historic Buildings Council and the Historic Monument’s Council attended the meeting.

(PR/JM)