National Parks

In October 2004, the Department published a consultation paper about national parks and other protected landscape areas. The debate has moved on since then, and the political landscape has changed with the restoration of devolution and a locally-elected Assembly.

In March 2011, the Department published a White Paper as a first step towards bringing forward enabling legislation to allow for the creation of national parks in Northern Ireland. At the time the Department said that further material would be published for consideration during the consultation period.

Accordingly, a new consultation document was issued which looked in more detail at the governance options for a national park and sought answers to a number of specific questions on national park issues with a view to developing policy proposals for enabling legislation to be brought before the Assembly. For ease of reference, the White Paper was included as an appendix to the consultation document. The consultation closed on 31^st October 2011.

A copy of the consultation document, consultee letter and the synopsis of responses to the consultation can be accessed from the links below.

Consultee Letter on Enabling Legislation for National Parks (243kb)

Consultation Document on Enabling Legislation for National Parks (519kb)

Synopsis of Responses to the Consultation on Enabling Legislation for National Parks (52.6kb)

Should you require further information, please contact the Department at:

National Parks, DOE Environmental Policy Division, Goodwood House, 44-58 May Street, Belfast BT1 4NN.

Telephone: 028-9025 4721

Email: national.parks@doeni.gov.uk

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