Stormont Committee Visits Castlewellan Forest Park

The Committee for the Environment held a public meeting at the Grange, Castlewellan Forest Park on 19 February 2009 to discuss the Review of the Wildlife Order and the work of Forest Service NI. Members also availed of the opportunity to see the RSPB’s Red Kite project in operation.

The Deputy Chairperson, Cathal Boylan, MLA, said, “The RSPB’s reintroduction of the Red Kite to Northern Ireland has captured the attention of the local, and indeed wider, community and the Committee would call on the Secretary of State to ensure that wildlife offences are dealt with by custodial sentences. This local meeting has allowed us to see the hard work of the RSPB and Forest Service in operation.

“The Forest Service is providing an excellent service in managing over 100 state forests and managing the forests on a sustainable basis. The Committee is appreciative of the work they carry out and would like to see them offer more services in the forests to encourage tourism.”

The Committee also took the opportunity to view Red Kites flying.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Committee for the Environment will next meet on Thursday 26 February at 10.30am in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.

Committee membership: 
Patsy McGlone, Chairperson
Cathal Boylan, Deputy Chairperson
Roy Beggs
Trevor Clarke
David Ford
Tommy Gallagher
David McClarty
Ian McCrea
Daithí McKay
Alastair Ross
Peter Weir

Mrs Alexandra McGarel
Clerk to the Committee
Committee for the Environment,
Room 245,
Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.