uuptoday.org

North Down Ulster Unionist MLA Leslie Cree can confirm that to date the Woodland Trust in their Tree Planting for All Campaign has engaged a total of 25,000 people in tree planting initiatives across the Province.

The politician continued “This is a great achievement for the Woodland Trust. Two hundred and fifty acres of new woodlands have been developed with a total of 200,000 trees planted in the fist three year phase of this ambitious campaign,” he said.

Mr Cree stressed that “Northern Ireland currently ranks as one of the least wooded regions in Europe with total tree coverage of only 6% compared with the European average of 44%. We need to do all we can to help environmental groups to motivate this and future generations,” he added.

“I understand that Government have committed to help increase tree coverage in Northern Ireland over the next fifty years. I would however suggest that plans should be brought forward to address this shortfall now, “he urged.

Continuing he said “I will be taking steps to encourage my colleagues in the NI Assembly to address this issue as a matter of priority given the distressing fact that Northern Ireland lags behind considerably in terms of tree impact on this island. I think it is only but right to support the work of the Woodland Trust and others who work tirelessly to educate and motivate people to become more environmentally active.”

“Let us begin now to try and make a difference so that by 2011 when the Tree for All Campaign is completed we will have statistics that will rise above the current 6%.” By planting more trees we are actively addressing the serious impact of global warming as each tree planted significantly improves air quality by reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.”

Ulster Unionist Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott today welcomed the decision in the courts to overturn the controversial PPS 14 ruling which affects planning and development in rural areas.

In a statement Mr Elliott said,

“I always felt that Lord Rooker’s decision to impose PPS 14 was akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It was an affront to rural communities and an insult to local government decision makers who ultimately have their areas best interests at heart.

Nobody wants to see a mushrooming of properties in our countryside but equally imposing an effective blanket ban is no solution. The right balance has to be struck and this proposal did not offer any balance.

We want to protect the countryside from random and unsightly development whilst allowing for sustainable development and the enrichment of rural communities. Many are already feeling isolated as it is with school and post office closures.

It will be up to the Assembly and Executive to find a middle way that ensures that country people have an opportunity to build within certain parameters whilst the unique beauty that our countryside offers is protected and has integrity.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Billy Armstrong has thrown his support behind the campaign by the Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland to start up “Green Gym” sessions on Saturday mornings.

These are planned as an alternative to more conventional gyms, and will involve will involve a few hours work doing important activities such as woodland management, seed collecting or tree planting.

The Mid-Ulster MLA said,

“As a member of the Assembly’s Environment Committee, I am pleased to support this initiative by the Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland.

“It is ideal for those who wish to improve their general fitness and who are concerned with environmental issues and the world we live in.

Not only will it get people out in the fresh air taking exercise and relieving the stresses of daily life, which is of course very important in itself, but it will also have a positive visible benefit on the natural environment. Even better, it’s all absolutely free, and no experience is required.”

Billy Armstrong, the Ulster Unionist MLA for Mid Ulster has demanded that the Department of Regional Development takes urgent action to ensure that all correspondence issued by them, and the Water Service to constituents in County Londonderry uses the County’s correct title.

“My constituency of Mid-Ulster incorporates part of County Londonderry and part of County Tyrone. I have received numerous complaints from constituents in County Londonderry who are most unhappy that correspondence and bills received from the Water Service are addressed to ‘County Derry’ rather than the proper and full name of County Londonderry.

County Londonderry is the official name of the County and it is right and proper that all Government bodies and especially Departments within the Northern Ireland Assembly use its correct name.

I have already written to Conor Murphy the Minister for Regional Development demanding that action be taken to immediately rectify this unacceptable situation.”

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has praised the “terrific professionalism” of the organisers of the recent Mid Antrim 150 motorbike races.

Assemblyman Dr Coulter, who has also acted as chaplain to the races for a number of years, said the Mid Antrim organisers had built the event into one of the premier tourist and sporting attractions not just in the constituency, but across the whole of Northern Ireland.

“One of the best aspects of the organisers’ terrific professionalism was their ability to bring thousands of people from across the Province and beyond into the constituency.

“It was clear the organisers had put together a programme of events where the underlying factor was quality sporting entertainment. And given the added bonus of the good weather at this year’s races, people associate the themes of enjoyment and fun with this great North Antrim constituency.

“The Mid Antrim 150 has rightly earned itself the accolade of being not just one of the top road racing events in Northern Ireland, but one of the Province’s leading sporting showpieces.

“Road racing in general has faced some sharp criticism in the past. But the thousands who lined the vantage points along the route proved there is still considerable enthusiasm for this superbly and effectively marshalled series of races. Fans and visitors alike could not fail to notice the safety measures which the organisers had thoroughly implemented.

“Given the vast tourism turnover which the Mid Antrim 150 races generate for the North Antrim constituency, I would urge both the locally elected representatives and the business community to give whatever support they can in future years to this magnificent sporting occasion.”

And Assemblyman Dr Coulter also praised those who had supported the Mid Antrim 150’s traditional pre-race annual service held in St James’ Parish Church of Ireland in Clough village, when motorbike enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland packed the church.

The church overlooks part of the race route and the congregation included current racers, former racers and representatives from motorcycle clubs in Northern Ireland, including Christian motorcycle clubs.

There was an especially large turnout from the local Clough club, the Hilltop Motor Cycle Club, and the service was conducted by Dr Coulter, who is a former minister of Clough Presbyterian Church.

There was very enthusiastic singing of the hymns, and after the service, the congregation was entertained to a delicious meal in the village’s Masonic Hall.

Kenny Donaldson, an Ulster Unionist Party Officer today said more needed to be done to prevent a spate of Irish language stickers that have appeared on road signs initially in Newry and Mourne but have now spread to parts of Tyrone and Fermanagh. The large stickers simply state ‘GAELIGE’.

Mr Donaldson has already made representations to DRD Minister Conor Murphy who condemned the move and said that those pushing for bi-lingualism should do so via councils.

In a statement Kenny said: “With more and more of these stickers being plastered across road signs the Minister must do more to stamp out this growing trend and use the law if necessary to prevent it happening.

“I am not opposed to the use of the Irish Language by those who wish to speak it but imposing it in this manner is foolish, dangerous and is defacing public property.

“The emergency services navigating in the area need full visibility to road signs and place names; it helps no-one if a huge sticker is covering the name place of somewhere they are supposed to go to in an emergency. In addition the stickering merely adds to the confusion of the growing number of migrant workers, many of whom have difficulty enough finding their way around in the English language due to the language barrier.

“Lastly the stickering is a defacement of public property and is increasingly becoming perceived as antagonistic.

“I am calling on Minister Murphy to do more to nip this growing trend in the bud now. He has the ear of the nationalist community in a way most unionist politicians do not. It is time for some responsible leadership on this issue.”

Billy Armstrong, the Ulster Unionist MLA for Mid Ulster said that he was alarmed to learn that yet another planning application has been submitted for development in the area close to the Boyne Battlefield site.

“I understand that the latest land to be targeted for development is an area on the southern shore of the Battlefield site at Oldbridge Co. Meath.

I was astonished to learn that full planning permission has been granted for 745 housing units in Oldbridge, Donore.

The historical importance of the Boyne Battlefield site is well known, and while it has a particular resonance for those of us who come from the Orange or Unionist traditions, its has a far wider historical importance and value than the division between Orange and Green on the island of Ireland.

I shall be writing to Bertie Ahern on this matter, given his recent public interest in the Boyne Valley as evidenced by his meeting with Ian Paisley at Oldbridge House on the 10th May this year. I certainly don’t recall any mention of 745 housing units being made then.

There is much talk these days of a shared future, but the Battle of the Boyne is part of a shared past. This is a test for the Government of the Republic of Ireland. If all the fine words about new beginnings and new relationship are to be more than hot air, I urge the Dublin Government to take steps to preserve this historic site and its surrounding area.”

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner,

has said constituents should help in whatever way possible to ensure the North Antrim Tourism Triangle of

Ballymena, Ballymoney and Ballycastle becomes a litter free zone.

Assemblyman Dr Coulter encouraged all the towns, villages and hamlets in the constituency to follow the excellent

example set by Broughshane when it recently clinched the prestigious Best Kept Small Town in Ireland award.

He added: “We have in North Antrim a wonderful constituency whose tourism potential can be developed even

further, and we all as constituents have a role to play is giving visitors to the region a good impression.

“This can be achieved primarily with everyone playing their part in making the North Antrim Tourism Triangle a

litter free zone.

“Our constituency boasts one of the best natural tourist attractions in the globe – the Giants’ Causeway with its

world heritage centre status.

“This is visited by tens of thousands of people annually, so it is imperative the Government supports and

promotes people who supply accommodation for tourists, especially the bed and breakfast market.

“And we must also commend the farm house accommodation market as well as our constituency’s excellent choice of

restaurants, hotels and food takeaways.

“It is not just enough for the tourism organisations to promote attractions, there must be cash made available by

the Government to help support any industry in the constituency which is in the business of developing tourism.

“For this also to be achieved, there must be a clean and well kept constituency, and I would also call on the

roads people to ensure our roads are kept litter free.

“If the North Antrim Tourism Triangle is to become a booming industry for this constituency, we must equally

ensure there is an effective partnership based on a policy of the three A’s – attractions, accommodation, and

access.

“And its not just in the rural areas that this Triple A policy must be developed. We also want to make sure the

excellent shopping facilities in the Ballymena and Ballymoney Boroughs as well as the Ballycastle district are

maximised to the full.

“If we can achieve this partnership of the community, retailers, providers of accommodation and roads people,

then there is every possibility the North Antrim Tourism Triangle can become one of the premier visitor

attractions, not just in Northern Ireland, but right throughout the United Kingdom,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has congratulated Broughshane on winning its recent Best Kept Small Town in Ireland Award, describing the achievement as making “Broughshane a beacon for the whole Northern Ireland community to follow”.

Assemblyman Dr Coulter, himself a former Mayor of Ballymena for three terms in the mid 1990s, said it was “not surprising” Broughshane had scooped this presitigious award, given the “superb portfolio” of accolades the village had achieved over the years.

He added: “We are now living in an era when caring for our environment and keeping our localities neat and tidy are becoming major community issues.

“Broughshane has become a shining example of how people from the local community can bond together to take a real pride in the appearance and environmental development of their neighbourhoods.

“I would highly commend the sterling example of Broughshane to other local communities throughout our North Antrim constituency and wholeheartedly congratulate all the residents of Broughshane who helped bring this magnificent honour to the region,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.

Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty says Coleraine should be seizing the opportunity to enhance the experience of visiting its new tribute to footballer Bertie Peacock.

Speaking after the unveiling of a statue of former Northern Ireland and Celtic star Peacock, the East Londonderry MLA said: “In the past when Bertie Peacock owned a bar in Coleraine some of his football jerseys were on display. It attracted football people from all over the world.

“I think it would add significantly to our potential to attract new visitors if we could set up a football visitors centre or themed restaurant featuring the story of the town’s great football tradition.

“We not only have Bertie Peacock from our town but Harry Gregg and Jim Platt too. The he late Sammy Walker a past president of the Irish Football Association, was a legislator at international level for many years.

“We also have the story of 25 years of the Milk Cup tournament to tell and the history of the local Irish League football club which produced so many top players such as Allan Hunter and Iam McFaul.

“I would welcome the opportunity to discus this idea with people of vision in the area.

“An enterprising local business person might consider opening a restaurant with a football theme in the Diamond area close to the new statue of Bertie Peacock where some of his jerseys and photographs could be permanently displayed. This would give visitors an added experience when they visit the nearby statue.

“We have a rich history of football in the area and in an era where new ideas are always being explored in an attempt to attract visitors, a football visitors centre would be something worth exploring.