PRESS RELEASE

26 October 2009

ENV 1/09/10

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT IS RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL SAYS COMMITTEE 

Protecting Northern Ireland’s unique local habitat must be a top priority for government. That’s the message from the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Environment as they visited scenic Derrygonnelly in Fermanagh today to get a closer look at the work of the Field Studies Centre.

The Committee held their weekly meeting in the centre as well as taking a closer look at the centre’s work learning about habitat designation and protecting the environment.

Committee chairperson, Dolores Kelly said: “The Field Studies Centre provides a great backdrop for our Committee agenda today. We heard evidence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on their plans for enforcing environmental protection and the Centre demonstrates clear examples of the benefits of a robust environmental plan.

“ Northern Ireland has some of the most beautiful unspoilt scenery in the world and the Committee take their responsibility in doing everything they can to ensure this is preserved. It is heartening to see students who are charged with protecting our local habitat.”

The Committee heard presentations from the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency on their ongoing work. They also saw the Field Studies Centre in action while they train students in environmental projects using the modern technologies offered there.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

The Committee for the Environment membership;

Mrs. Dolores Kelly MLA – Chairperson
Mr. Cathal Boylan MLA – Deputy Chairperson
Mr. David Ford MLA
Mr. Trevor Clarke MLA
Mr. Ian McCrea MLA
Mr. Alastair Ross MLA
Mr. Peter Weir MLA
Mr. Daithi McKay MLA
Mr. John Dallat MLA
Mr. Danny Kinahan MLA
Mr. Roy Beggs MLA

The Committee for the Environment will hear a presentation from the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency on their ongoing work, their business plan and their draft enforcement strategy.

On the banks of the River Sillees, the centre provides training courses for people from all walks of life who are interested in everything from ornithology to environmental surveying.

The Field Studies Centre operates as a charity and offers over 160 courses dedicated to helping people of all ages discover and explore the natural environment. More information on the centre can be found on their website; http://www.field-studies-council.org/index.aspx

Dolores Kelly visits Derrygonnelly, Field Studies Centre

The Environment Committee at Derrygonnelly, Field Studies Centre

For all media enquiries, please contact;

Stephanie Mallon,
Room B4,
Parliament Buildings,
Belfast,
BT4 3XX
Phone; 02890 521953
Mobile; 07825 146794
Email: stephanie.mallon@niassembly.gov.uk