Archive for the 'Parks/National Park' Category

GREEN PARTY COUNCILLOR SEEKS MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH TO CLEAN UP OF KENNEDY PARK IN KILLOUGH IN ADVANCE OF NEW NAOISCOIL

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on September 3, 2010
in Cadogan Enright, Killough, Littering/Vandalism/Crime, Parks/National Park, Planning issues and illegal development and Schools
. 0 Comments

Cllr Enright at Kennedy Park in Killough, originally uploaded by downgreenparty.

Green Party Councillor Cadogan Enright has been pressing for better ongoing maintenance of Kennedy park in Killough following requests from local residents, and has highlighted the imminent building of the new Naoiscoil pre-school as an opportunity for public service organizations to improve services to this area.
Cllr Enright said “I have requested the council to clear up the huge amount of broken glass from the park, and council manager nnn has confirmed that this has been done and that there will be an ongoing effort to keep this area clean”.
“I have also contacted the District Policing Partnership to see what can be done between the PSNI and other government agencies to see what can be done once and for all to stamp out “rough drinking”, dumping and bonfires of household waste in the Park that is affecting the quality of life of local residents. I feel a cross-agency approach is the only way to tackle these issues”, Confirmed Cadogan Enright.
“The old mill is in a dangerous state, and barriers to entry have been removed, I am pursuing this with the Dangerous buildings section” Said Councillor Enright
“The building of the new Naoisciol gives the Council, in conjunction with the other agencies an opportunity to deliver a series of separate relatively minor actions, that taken collectively would provide a huge boost for local residents. The fencing and hedging could be repaired, the PSNI could patrol the area on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the litter wardens could focus on this area until after Christmas or until the dumping problem with a few local individuals is resolved. The outcome could be a better local environment for everyone,” Concluded Councillor Cadogan Enright

STEVEN AGNEW EURO CAMPAIGN REACHES NEWCASTLE

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on May 13, 2009
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Cadogan Enright, EURO CAMPAIGN, John Hardy, Newcastle and Parks/National Park
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows EU Candidate Steven Agnew (centre) flanked by Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright and John Hardy of Newcastle meeting local community representatives Arthur Thompson and Walter Graham.

Down Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright was in Belfast last Friday morning to nominate Steven Agnew as the Green Party European Election Candidate. Cadogan Enright is the nominating officer for the Green Party in Northern Ireland.

On Friday afternoon and over the weekend, Green Party activists were in Newcastle canvassing and meeting with local people and Cllr Enright introduced EU Steven Agnew to Newcastle’s Sustainable Development Forum representatives.

Cllr Enright said, “The next two weekends will be very busy for us putting up posters and finalising plans for the election. It is great to have the candidate spending so much time in Down District and in Newry and Mourne and it is great to have a candidate who has been so active in many local campaigns.”

John Hardy, the Green Party Co-ordinator for Newcastle, said, “Steven Agnew has been a great support for us in our campaign for the Mourne National Park. This will be a huge economic boost to the South Down area if it is announced as expected next year. We will be campaigning for European and International recognition by joining up with the Cooley’s in Louth. This could significantly increase the finances available for the project of a National Park.”

Local Green Party Councillor Cadogan Enright said, “Over the last few months Steven Agnew has been with us in Down District campaigning against the Badger Baiters in Downpatrick, against the proposed Badger Cull near Ballynahinch and supporting young people in Killyleagh in their campaign against Mosquito Alarms which are banned in several parts of the UK and in the ROI.”

“I would call on people in South Down to give their first vote to the Green Party in the EU Elections and transfer then to the normal party of choice. This will send a clear signal to the big parties that people in Northern Ireland want the Green ‘Obama Style’ policy of creating new smart Green Jobs in the local economy and in local agriculture. Voters can send the message that the big parties must reject the existing failed economic model of importing fossil fuels and importing livestock from New Zealand or flying flowers in from Israel.” concluded Cllr Enright.

Press Cuttings: Green Cllr talks about why you should Vote Green, Green Councillor nominates party's EU election candidate

GREENS WELCOME PROGRESS TOWARDS MOURNE NATIONAL PARK

Published
by
Mark McCormick
on April 20, 2009
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Cadogan Enright, Employment/Economics, John Hardy, Newcastle, Parks/National Park and Wildlife/Trees/Nature
. 0 Comments

Brenda Enright, Cllr Cadogan Enright and John Hardy of the Green Party.DOWN Green Party Councillor Cadogan Enright welcomed news that Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has made a trip to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park with a view to creating a similar model in the Mourne Mountains.

Downpatrick Cllr Cadogan Enright said “I received overwhelming support at the Green Party meeting in Downpatrick this week to renew our campaign for the new National Park to be recognised by UNESCO as a cross-boarder Geopark with all the economic benefits that go with international recognition”.

Newcastle Green Party co-ordinator John Hardy briefed the meeting on how the Marble Arch caves system in counties Fermanagh and Cavan has been recognised as a cross-border geopark by UNESCO.

Cllr Enright said, “This is a great example of how cross border eco-tourism initiatives can work and help promote local economies and tourism. This is a fine example of how a similar initiative could benefit Co. Down and Co. Louth with a Mourne National Park.

“Dublin Green Party Environment Minister John Gormley has previously written to the South Down National Park working committee expressing an interest is resolving any difficulties in having a cross-boarder approach with the Cooley’s in Co. Louth. Now In N.I., Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has spoken about his visit to the Cairngorms National Park and stated that there is no evidence of restrictions on farmers than there are on farmers elsewhere. This is to be welcomed also”, reported Cllr Enright.

Cllr Enright said: “A new National Park will create jobs, improve infrastructure including the A25 route, upgrade public transport and offers one of the most exciting opportunities for the area’s economic future. I call on other political representatives to show courage and come in behind the National Park project.”

The Green Party has been a consistent supporter of the National Park, which according to a 2006 Countryside Consultancy report has the potential of creating in excess of 800 -1,200 jobs. This has been in the face of a well-organised campaign against the National Park that has left the other political parties divided or sitting on the fence in the South Down area on this key issue. The Mourne Mountains

Green Party activists at the meeting were greatly amused at the suggestion that they might be supporting Minister Sammy Wilson on any subject given his views on climate change and opposition to protecting the environment in many areas, but agreed that they had to be fair when on rare occasions the Minister actually appeared to be doing his job as Environment Minister.

According to the Potential Impacts of National Park Designation in Northern Ireland report, published in May 2006, upwards of 1.43 million visitors per year could be attracted to the proposed National Park and 2.53 million to the wider sphere of influence. This, according to the report equates to £30-43 million in spending by visitors each year.

Press Cuttings: Green Party renews campaign for Mourne National Park, Green Party urges National Park move

NEW NEWRY & MOURNE BOUNDARY WILL ADVANCE NATIONAL PARK PROJECT

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on October 2, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Bryansford, Cadogan Enright, Council, Employment/Economics, Newcastle, Parks/National Park and Wildlife/Trees/Nature
. 0 Comments

Map shows the new proposed boundaries in this area.

The Green Party has welcomed the inclusion of Slievecroob in the new district council of Newry & Mourne which, if agreed, will bring the proposed National Park boundaries within the one local government area.

Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright said: “The decision to include Slievecroob in Newry & Mourne improves the region’s ability to develop a National Park through the Mournes and into the Cooleys and considerably improves the project’s chances of success. A National Park in this area will bring huge investment with the potential of attracting investment from Europe, the Republic and the UK.”

The Green Party has been a consistent supporter of the National Park, which according to a 2006 Countryside Consultancy report has the potential of creating in excess of 800 -1,200 jobs.

Cllr Enright said: “A new National Park will create jobs, improve infrastructure including the A25 route, upgrade public transport and offers one of the most exciting opportunities for the area’s economic future.”

According to the Potential Impacts of National Park Designation in Northern Ireland report, published in May 2006, upwards of 1.43 million visitors per year could be attracted to the proposed National Park and 2.53 million to the wider sphere of influence. This, according to the report equates to £30-43 million in spending by visitors each year.

Press Cuttings: Delight from supporters of National Park, National park seen as reason for revised Council boundary, New boundaries boost National Park scheme

VIKING VILLAGE TO BY-PASS NORMAL PLANNING GUIDELINES

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on August 1, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Cadogan Enright, Parks/National Park, Planning issues and illegal development, Strangford Lough and town and Wildlife/Trees/Nature
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows Cllr Enright at Delamont Park.

DOWN Green Councillor Cadogan Enright has expressed his shock and disbelief that the need for an Environmental Impact Statement has been ruled out for the proposed development in Delamont Park on Council land in a sensitive environmental area.

Councillor Enright said, “Whatever the merits of the development it is unimaginable that the potential impacts to this sensitive environment should not be taken into account. I cannot see how the planning service can legally determine that an Environmental Assessment Impact is not required for the Viking Village in Delmont Park, a development that is clearly already in breach or planning guidelines. We cannot have one set of rules for ordinary people looking for planning, and a second set of rules for the Authorities or the Rich and Powerful as often seems to be the case in this district”.

“This location is one of great sensitivity, with wading birds, the Heronry and the environmental designations of this area. The proposed footfall of 300 visitors per day, and the type of guest envisaged for the Viking Village is quite different from the family groups and individuals who frequent this wonderful Local Park and wildlife area at present”.

Councillor Cadogan Enright continued, “Additionally the proposal for treating sewage makes no sense to me. As a manager with Cadbury Schweppes I was part of a team that installed a reed bed system in one of their factories, and am aware of the technical pros and cons. The effluent types need to be very predictable and professionally monitored, and this would not be possible with in the context of this proposal. The size of the system for treating 300 persons would also simply be too large, even if it were technically possible within the park without damaging this sensitive coastal site in Strangford Lough.”

Councillor Enright said “The term “reed bed system” is now coming into disrepute in the planning context. It seems to be used in planning applications where there is no realistic chance of a sewerage connection, and as a code for getting approval without having to deal with the reality of waste disposal.”

“If the Viking Village is to proceed, then its location, its impact on the Park and on the Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) all need to be carefully considered and not brushed aside as suggested by the planning service.”

“If this project were to proceed without an environmental assessment I would be forced to oppose it and appeal any decision in its favour. I have visited the planning service in Rathkelter House in Market Street to insist that this decision be reviewed.” Concluded Cllr Enright.

Press Cuttings: Delamont Planning Dispute - Front Page Recorder, Delamont Viking hall project sparks concern

ENRIGHT CONGRATULATES SPA COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on July 21, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Ballynahinch/Spa, Cadogan Enright, Parks/National Park and Pat Ward
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows Green Party Co-ordinator Pat Ward.

DOWN Councillor Cadogan Enright congratulated Spa Green Party Co-ordinator Pat Ward on a great job done in assisting the local community in Spa to achieve their hard fought campaign to upgrade and improve their run down Play Park.

Green Cllr Enright said, “Pat Ward and the local Hillside and Spa Committee secured quotations for each aspect of the work needed to be done. They then went around and sought financial support for different aspects of the project from community groups, prominent private citizens and the recreation department in Down District Council.

Spa area Green Party Co-ordinator Pat Ward acknowledged the support of UUP councillor Robert Burgess and Down District Recreation Department Director Martin Todd for their hard work and community team spirit in creating solutions where none appeared to be possible.

Cllr Enright said, “We were faced with a silly situation were the residents of Spa where deemed ‘too well off’ to get community funding for this project, with funding being focused on so-called ‘deprived areas.’”

Pat Ward said “Children have the right to play, wherever they live”.

Green Cllr Enright concluded, “This is a shining example of self help by people who are not just complaining about a problem, but are actively going about helping themselves. This project demonstrates not only a strong local community, in Spa, but is also an exemplar in how community activists can get things done”.

Press Cuttings: Green Party activist praised for Spa work, Enright's praise for Spa Community Activists

CLEVER SEAL BEATS FISH GRILL

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on July 21, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Cadogan Enright, Climate Change/Flooding, Downpatrick, Parks/National Park, Strangford Lough and town and Wildlife/Trees/Nature
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows the Quoile Barrier and Fish Grills where the seals are gaining access to the river.

Seals operating from Strangford Lough appear to be outwitting the combined efforts of the Downpatrick Green Party, local anglers and the Department of Agriculture in evading the fish grills on the Quoile barrier.

The Fish Grills were originally damaged by contact through contact with boats on Strangford Lough. They are designed to let fish through while keeping the seals out.

DOWN Councillor Cadogan Enright thanked the N.I Minister of Agriculture Michelle Gildernew and her team for their assistance over the last 18 months in fixing the broken fish pass on the Quoile estuary barrier and also acknowledged the great assistance from Green Party Agricultural Minister Trevor Sargent in bringing pressure to have this project bought forward.

Local Angler spokesperson Trevor Love said “The broken fish grill allowed seals to swim up the Quoile and devastate the fish population in the lower part of the river. We appreciate the 18 months of effort by Cllr Cadogan Enright and Green Party Minister Trevor Sargent in bringing pressure to bear on the NI Ministry of Agriculture to have the fish grill repaired.”

Downpatrick Friends of the Earth spokesperson Keith Bradford said, “Unfortunately the good work of the Green Party in tackling this issue over the last 18 months appears to have been undone by some very clever seals who appear to have learned the trick of swimming through the barrier on the ebb tide to get around the new fish grill, and this appears to be made possible by a fault in the tidal barrier.”

The Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright said “We have urgently been contacting the Department of Agriculture again on what appears to be a failure in the working of the tidal barrier – and have published pictures of what we think is the fault on our website at www.downgreens.com – and are hoping to have this matter investigated as soon as possible.”

Press Cuttings: Smart seals in Strangford Lough!, Hungry seals outwit Quoile technology

ENRIGHT WELCOMES CANCELLATION OF “PONTOON TO NOWHERE”

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on July 21, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Bill Corry, Cadogan Enright, Council, Parks/National Park, Planning issues and illegal development, Strangford Lough and town and Wildlife/Trees/Nature
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows Cllr Enright with retired Cllr Bill Corry near the Murlough Key beside Delamont Park.

DOWN Cllr Cadogan Enright welcomed the recent cancellation by council officials of the proposed pontoon in Delamont Park as a welcome, if late, admission that the project was always a non-starter.

Green Cllr Enright said, “Putting a pontoon across the mudflats is quite an impractical proposal for accessing Delamont Park. Its location would render it unusable for most of the time due to tidal reasons.”

Cllr Cadogan Enright continued, “Additionally this is an environmentally sensitive area and the council needs to start protecting, rather than continuing to develop on the key asset Down District has in the areas of special scientific interest within Strangford Lough.”

Councillor Enright pointed out that the old coal pier at the Murlough Quay is only two to three hundred metres away, within sight of the yacht club and could be much more usefully developed in a sustainable way, replenishing the historical character of the area.

“At the rates meeting earlier this year I opposed this development as a ‘Pontoon to Nowhere’, and I hope that we are now moving towards a more sustainable development of this area,” concluded Cllr Enright.

GREENS WELCOME PLAYPARK SEATING IN CROSSGAR

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on July 15, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Cadogan Enright, Council, Crossgar, Parks/National Park and Pat Ward
. 0 Comments

Photograph shows Green Party Co-ordinator Pat Ward, Westlands Estate resident Mary Woodside and Green Cllr Cadogan Enright at the Westlands Estate Playpark.

Down Cllr Cadogan Enright has welcomed the installation of seating at the children’s play park in the Westlands estate Crossgar, so that adults will now have somewhere to sit when supervising their children.

The Green Party Councillor said, “Whilst canvassing in the Westlands Estate back in March I was told by parents and grandparents in the area that there was nowhere for them to sit when they brought their children to play on the swings. This was causing difficulties for older people and those who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. The local residents asked me to raise this matter at Council.”

“Having heard the concerns of the local people I brought the problem to the attention of the Down District Council and I’m delighted to say that new seating has now been installed at the Westlands Estate Playpark.”

Cllr Enright concluded, “I would like to thank the hard work of Mark Bridges of Down District Council for installing the seating and for his work in various other areas.”

Press Cuttings: New seating in Crossgar playpark welcomed, westlands sitting pretty - community times front page, Crossgar Seat Community Times

GREENS CALL FOR PLAYGROUND IN SPA

Published
by
Cadogan Enright
on May 16, 2008
in 1. GREEN PRESS RELEASES / LATEST NEWS, Ballynahinch/Spa, Cadogan Enright, Council, Parks/National Park and Pat Ward
. 0 Comments

CALL FOR SPA PLAYGROUND, originally uploaded by downgreenparty.

Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright has called for funding to be made available to refurbish the children’s playground in the Hillside estate in Spa due to the deteriorated state of the current park.

Local Green Party Coordinator, Pat Ward, said “The play park in Spa is almost thirty five years old and the slide was recently removed for health and safety reasons. The local residents recognised the need to remove the slide for this reason but they want to ensure that a replacement will be put in place.”

“Many of the parents have to travel to other areas, such as Drumaness, in order to allow their kids to play in safety. This is not fair for either the parents or the kids and we in the Green Party are calling for funds to be made available to refurbish the existing park or provide new facilities.”

Bobby Hunter, of the Hillside and Spa Community Association, who has been campaigning for a playground, said, “We have made an application previously for lottery funding for a new playground but have been refused. Our argument is that this play park will not only be for the kids in Hillcrest, but will accommodate all the surrounding housing estates, none of which currently have a play area. We have to get the kids off the streets and allow them to play in a safe area.”

Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright called for new facilities for the people of Spa. He said “It does not make sense that the children of Spa cannot play in Spa but instead must travel to other areas. It is time that a new play park was provided for the local people. It seems unreasonable that the slide was not replaced. I will be working with my fellow councillors of all parties to assisit local residents to achieve funding for play facilities in SPA.”

Press Cuttings: Time to provide proper play facilities, Community appeal for new playground , Children's playground campaign grows