Mournes - A National Park in Northern Ireland

Question 1

Mournes

Answer 1

Classified as AONB and ASSI attempting to become Geopark

Question 2

Economic Benefits

Answer 2

• Potential £2-4 million additional funding
• Direct employment of 30 people via a National Parks Authority
• Increased opportunities for recreation and increased number of visitors
• Increased visitor expenditure and employment associated with tourism and countryside management

Question 3

Social Benefits

Answer 3

-New regulations for housing and people living in these areas

Question 4

Environmental Benefits

Answer 4

-Landscape and built heritage protection and maintenance of the areas of biodiversity

Question 5

Economic Issues

Answer 5

• Any legislation might have an impact on farming in the area. Farmers fear that their practices would be compromised, which would restrict their opportunity for wealth generation
• Increase in number of second homes
• increase in house prices and rates

Question 6

Social Issues

Answer 6

• Conflict between tourism/recreation and landowners, especially if access points are not adequate
• Increases in traffic congestion associated with increasing numbers of visitors

Question 7

Environmental Issues

Answer 7

-Possible effects due to visitor numbers on the landscape, biodiversity and built heritage unless careful management is put in place