AQW 14086/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 04/02/2021
Answered On Date: 15/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on any planned consultation on the Outdoor Recreation Bill, either (i) by his Department; or (ii) in collaboration with other departments.

Answer:

The Department issued an 8 week consultation to district councils, landowner organisations, recreation bodies and other key stakeholders with an interest in outdoor recreation on 27 January. A second general public consultation exercise will issue later in the year taking account of the findings of this initial exercise.

The aim of this two stage consultation process is to seek views on the current legislative provision relating to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland and to investigate how provision can be improved, while protecting the environment and recognising the needs of landowners.