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Institute appointed to undertake research on Mournes Mountains

Mournes Mountains
Mournes Mountains
“Representing the views of all stakeholders will be vital in the long-term vision for the future sustainability of the Mournes area. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Finance Innovation Lab as well as individuals, communities and businesses to get a real sense of people and place, and their hopes for the future”

The James Hutton Institute has been appointed to undertake research on the long-term future of the Mourne Mountains.

Making the announcement at a recent workshop with stakeholders at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Newcastle, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has said: “The future of the Mournes is very important to me. I am determined to do all we can to sustain this area of outstanding natural beauty into the future.

 “After a procurement exercise, leading research organisation, the James Hutton Institute has been appointed to engage with the community, organisations and bodies operating in the area to gather information on the challenges facing the Mournes, and their aspirations for the future. 

 “The social scientists research team from the James Hutton Institute working on this project have significant experience working in mountain areas. They will work jointly with my Department’s Innovation Lab to develop a long-term plan for the area. 

 “It is important that voices from the local community are heard and I encourage people to get involved. I look forward to the outcome of the research which I hope will make a significant contribution to the development of the Mournes.”

Antonia Boyce, Climate Change Incubator Director from the Institute said: “Representing the views of all stakeholders will be vital in the long-term vision for the future sustainability of the Mournes area. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Finance Innovation Lab as well as individuals, communities and businesses to get a real sense of people and place, and their hopes for the future.”

Notes to editors: 

The workshop was attended by representatives from the National Trust, the Mournes Heritage Trust, Tourism NI, Ulster Farmers Union, Mountaineering NI, Mourne Mountain Rescue, NI Water, Newry and Mourne District Council and government departments.

Further engagement sessions are planned to gather information from other stakeholder groups and audiences over the next 3 months; this work will be led by The James Hutton Institute. 

Press and media enquiries: 

Adam Walker, Communications Officer, Tel: +44 (0)1224 395095 (direct line), +44 (0)344 928 5428 (switchboard).


Printed from /news/institute-appointed-undertake-research-mournes-mountains on 29/03/24 06:15:17 AM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.