AQW 14771/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 10/09/2024
Answered On Date: 19/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether the James Hutton Institute has completed its research into the management of the Mourne Mountains.

Answer:

The James Hutton Institute carried out research with individuals and organisations in the area as part of a wider work programme looking at the future of the Mourne Mountains.

A report, setting out the findings from the research, was completed in March 2023. Although the report has not yet been published, a draft was shared with a number of stakeholders at the time as part of the research process.

My officials are currently engaging with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the issues raised through the work and, in particular, ownership of these within the Executive. Publication of the research can then be considered by the relevant department(s) that takes on any such role.