“Whilst timing is questionable, people must have their say” states Aontú Deputy Leader

Sperrins Partnership are currently running a series of consultation events in order to design a management plan for the Sperrins as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with the aim to ‘preserve and enhance the natural built and cultural heritage'.

Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly, who attended one of the events recently stated: “Having attended one of these events already which took place in Glór Dhun Geimhin, it is fair to say while the event itself was carried out in a professional manner, the air of suspicion in the room was difficult to miss, myself included.”

The Aontú representative for East Derry continued: “I did question the timing of this ‘Management Plan.’ After all, the Sperrins was designated an AONB in 1968, why has it taken until now to establish a management plan? We are all very aware of the increasing pressure of ‘Climate Action targets’ and plans to mine and install wind turbines within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the near future, settling for the notion that this is coincidental is unrealistic.

“As we discussed the many possibilities and opportunities within the local area, there was certainly a strong sense of excitement and enthusiasm, our local heritage, culture and landscape has so much more to offer, but the air of caution and suspicion cannot be ignored. There is a real fear this may be nothing more than a tick box to open the door to companies wishing to ‘break ground’ with mining and wind power under the guise of ‘economic’ or ‘environmental’ opportunities, whilst the risk to biodiversity, health and wellbeing are ignored.”

Speaking on the impact on farmers, Ms Brolly continued: “Coming from a farming family myself, I can understand in such a difficult climate why farmers sometimes consider Wind Company proposals, however once again this is all too coincidental when we have such heavy climate legislation impacting on farmers stock and land, with no allowance for a fair price encouraging local produce but the door wide open to external produce being shipped onto our shelves, carrying with it its’ own ‘carbon footprint’ I might add. It is up to our government and councils to truly engage with the farming community, implementing initiatives which will protect our land, our heritage, our animals, plants and wildlife as well as our health and wellbeing for generations to come.”

The Aontú Deputy Leader concluded: “Regardless of concerns, it is vital that everyone possible has their say in these events, and ensures they are more than a tick-box but a tool of expression, involvement and accountability. Six events remain throughout the Sperrins council areas. There will also be an online consultation for farmers on 29th May. More information can be found on council sites and Sperrins sites on social media with a link to an online survey.  Everyone has a part to play and a right to be heard, it’s time to act!”

Across County Derry, further consultation events will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 30 in Learmount Resource Centre, Park, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and in An Carn, Maghera on Thursday, June 13 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.