To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what actions he intends to take to improve the provision of access to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what actions he intends to take to improve the provision of access to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.

I am an advocate of the many benefits that being outside in nature brings to the well-being of our citizens, their care for the environment and the benefits to the economy.

My commitment is evident throughout the continued delivery of enhanced outdoor recreation by my Department. My Department will continue to seek ways to progress the provision of outdoor recreation whilst ensuring that that our natural environment is protected and landowners’ livelihoods are respected.

The MoU between the National Trust and Forest Service that I signed late last year will benefit the environment, recreation, tourism and public health and is an excellent example of how nature and recreation can flourish together.

Other examples I have overseen include: the provision of access to our Forest and Country Parks; monitoring of bathing waters; development of strategies; and the delivery of significant financial assistance through a number of grant programmes.

As part of the Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland my Department is also currently reviewing associated legislation with a view to optimising the benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation. A Public Consultation survey has been drafted and is expected to issue shortly.

The draft Environment Strategy, which is out for consultation until 18th January, has a specific theme of providing a ‘Healthy & accessible environment & landscapes everyone can connect with & enjoy’ and sets out proposed actions and targets for Connecting People to the Environment through Outdoor Recreation & Natural Space Provision.

My Department is continuing to provide and further develop access to its significant estate including Forests Parks, Angling Estates, Nature Reserves and Country Parks and CAFRE sites, providing outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, walking and mountain biking.

DAERA, through grant programmes such as the Environment Fund and Rural Development Fund provides substantial grant funding to support others to maintain and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. It is my intention that this funding together with the future PEACE PLUS funding will continue to improve existing and provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Recent research shows that 29% of people considered that they do not have greenspace within easy walking distance of their home and only 27% of the population were meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity targets through leisure time spent outdoors (i.e. 150+ mins/week or 75+ mins at a vigorous level).

There is much work that can be done. The Chamber will be aware that many Departments have a role play a role in ensure the people of Northern Ireland have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Through cooperation and collective actions we can achieve great things to enhance the provision of outdoor access for our citizens.