DARD Minister Meets UWT On Key Issues

O’Neill Discusses Mussels Report with Ulster Wildlife Trust Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA today met with members from the Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT). The delegation was led by Chief Executive Heather Thompson, Chairman Joe Mahon and Strategic Development Director, Victoria Magreehan. The discussion focused on a range of issues including; modiolus restoration research, TB and badgers and hedgerow management. Speaking afterwards, the Minister said, “The recent QUB report on the Modiolus Restoration Research Project provides a detailed assessment of Modiolus sites in Strangford Lough. We now need to assess the practical options open to us which can contribute to the Report’s recommendations for future protection, intervention and monitoring programmes. “I have taken the opportunity today to confirm to the Ulster Wildlife Trust that my Department has introduced two non-fishing zones in the protection area earlier this year. We will examine the impact that these are having in due course. I also assured them that I am in direct contact with my Executive colleague Environment Minister Alex Attwood on this issue. We have agreed to bring forward proposals on each of the recommendations to the Commission this autumn.” “The Report has been forwarded to the Commission and we will be engaging with them as we develop an updated Restoration Plan for the next period.” The Minister also discussed the issue of TB and badgers with the UWT and added, “I have listened carefully today to the UWT’s concerns on TB and badgers and recognise their support for the TB Biosecurity Study recently completed in the County Down. I welcome any suggestions which they can bring forward for mitigating the bovine TB risk from badgers.” She said, “We also discussed the UWT’s concerns about the Cross Compliance hedge-cutting dates window and the need for scientific research evidence to consider any changes.” “I wish to thank Heather, Joe and Victoria for taking the time to meet with me today and highlight the work undertaken by the Ulster Wildlife Trust locally.”]]>