Banbridge Newry & Mourne Plan 2015

Strategic Plan Framework: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

Agriculture, forestry and fishing are important economic activities within the Plan Area.

Regional Policy Context

The RDS provides a number of SPGs and measures which focus on agriculture, forestry and fishing as follows:

• To maintain a working countryside with a strong mixed use rural economy (SPG-RNI 1). This SPG will be implemented through the following policies:
  • Sustain the continuing development of a strong agricultural and agri-food sector (RNI 1.1);
  • Facilitate the development of rural industries, businesses and enterprises in appropriate locations, and ensure they are satisfactorily integrated with the settlement or rural landscape (RNI 1.2);
  • Sustain and extend the forestry resources of Northern Ireland (RNI 1.3); and
  • Maintain a viable fishing industry in Northern Ireland (RNI 1.4).
• To continue to create and sustain an attractive and unique rural environment in the interests of the rural community and the Region as a whole (SPG-RNI 5). This SPG will be implemented through the management of rural resources to achieve a more sustainable pattern of development.

The PSRNI also contains current regional planning policies for the protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land, agricultural and forestry development, and community woodlands.

A policy for farm diversification is proposed in Draft PPS4 - (Revised) Industry, Business and Distribution.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the predominant land use within the Plan Area. In 2002, the sector employed in excess of 7,000 people on approximately 4,000 holdings. Approximately 60% of farms are involved in cattle and sheep production. Dairy farming is also important, particularly within Banbridge District. There is also significant cereal and general crop production within the Banbridge District.

Farm size within the Plan Area tends to be small with approximately half of farms in both Districts classed as very small by DARD under European standards. Only 3% of holdings in Banbridge and 1% in Newry and Mourne are described as large.

In common with the rest of Northern Ireland, farm incomes in the Plan Area are falling in real terms, leading to an increased demand for alternative employment on and off the farm. The Department accepts the need for farmers to diversify into non-agricultural activities in the context of prevailing planning policy to supplement their farming income. DARD has a range of grant assistance to support this process.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated by DARD and comprise areas of special landscape, wildlife or historic interest which can be protected or enhanced by supporting and grant aiding specific agricultural practices. The Mournes and Slieve Croob ESA falls partly within the Plan Area.

Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) are areas where the natural characteristics, including geology, attitude and climate, make it difficult for farmers to compete. However, within these areas, agriculture is the main factor shaping and maintaining valuable landscapes and habitats. Support is, therefore, paid to farmers in the LFA so that society can continue to enjoy these benefits. LFAs are divided into Disadvantaged and Severely Disadvantaged Areas. 36% of farms in the Banbridge District fall within LFAs and 15% are categorised as Severely Disadvantaged Areas. 83% of farms in the Newry and Mourne District fall within LFAs and 36% are categorised as Severely Disadvantaged Areas.

Forestry

DARD Forest Service published "Northern Ireland Forestry: A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth" (March 2006). The Strategy states that forestry policy in Northern Ireland will continue to be stated as:

• The sustainable management of existing woods and forests; and
• A steady expansion of tree cover to increase the many diverse benefits that forests provide.

Public and private woodland within the Banbridge / Newry and Mourne area extends to approximately 4700 hectares, representing approximately 3.4% of the Plan Area.

Forestry Service carries out state forestry operations within the Plan Area; their publicly owned and managed woodland extends to approximately 157 hectares within Banbridge District and 4,187 hectares within Newry and Mourne District. Forestry Service currently combines the commercial production of timber with public recreation at a number of locations including two forest parks at Rostrevor and Slieve Gullion and a number of minor recreation areas.

Forestry Service also assists in the establishment of privately owned woodlands through the Woodland Grants Scheme. Currently there are approximately 166 hectares of such woodlands in Banbridge District and 196 hectares in Newry and Mourne District funded under this scheme.

Fishing

The Plan Area comprises the Mournes coastal area and has an important fishing industry centred on the busy port at Kilkeel. The landing, processing and packaging of fish is important in economic terms to the town and its hinterland.

In 1998, over half of the full time employment in the Northern Ireland fishing industry was based in Kilkeel, split fairly evenly between catching and processing / marketing. Just over half of the Northern Ireland registered fishing fleet was also based in Kilkeel.

Other forms of aquaculture continue to develop in Carlingford Lough. A new mussel depuration facility has been developed at Warrenpoint Harbour together with berthing and loading facilities to serve the growing shellfish industry within Carlingford Lough.

Recreational fishing, mainly under license, also takes place along the various rivers and inland watercourses within the Plan Area, which are also important habitats for wildlife.

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