Zoom Meeting On Thursday Evening To Discuss the Recent Mournes Fires – Key Speakers In Attendance.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath MLA is set to host an online public meeting tomorrow night (Thursday 20th May at 7.00pm) to discuss the recent wildfires in the Mournes and to hear from public bodies regarding their response to this.
Mr McGrath said: “I am very pleased to say that following ongoing engagement I have had with DAERA, the NIFRS, Mourne Heritage Trust and the National Trust that they have agreed to take part in an online public meeting to discuss the events of the recent wildfire and the response to it.
“I am delighted that Newcastle’s own John Hardy, who is now working with the Green Party in Scotland and Extinction Rebellion has kindly agreed to chair this meeting.
“I want as many people as possible from the public to join us for this discussion, to post their questions and engage in this discussion. Preparations for this meeting have been underway for some time and I know the public will have a real interest in hearing from DAERA as to what happens next in response to the Mournes.”
Mr McGrath explained that he was I was surprised last week in the Assembly chamber to hear South Down MLA Sinead Ennis announce that Finance Minister Murphy is providing funding to the restoration of the Mournes.
He added: “To be honest, DAERA Minister Poots was as surprised as I was by this announcement on the floor of the Assembly in the middle of a debate.
“Given Sinn Fein have said that “if a bid is put in, he [Minister Murphy] will look favourably upon it” I am sure the folks at DAERA, the NIFRS, National Trust, Mourne Heritage Trust and the public will be more than ready to prepare the necessary shopping list for the Minister’s attention, and I hope, genuine commitment.
 to discuss the){kind=link}