New Chair and Deputy Chair for Ring of Gullion Partnership
Colleen succeeds Des Murphy who has held the post for an amazing twelve years and Conor succeeds Cllr Declan Murphy who held the post for two years. Colleen and Conor joined the partnership in 2021 as representatives of Oriel Planning Events and Regen Waste respectively.
The Ring of Gullion AONB Partnership is group of organisations and individuals who provide a coordinated approach and to facilitate the management of the Ring of Gullion AONB and is co-ordinated by the AONB and Geopark Team in Newry Mourne and Down District Council. Membership is open to anybody or organisation with an interest in the Ring of Gullion AONB biodiversity, heritage, recreation and sustainable tourism.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “I would like to welcome Colleen and Conor to their new roles. I look forward to working with them to ensure that the Ring of Gullion AONB is not only conserved and enhanced for future generations, but the importance of the designation is understood and supported by local people and visitors alike.”
She added “They are taking up these roles at a really exciting time for the Ring of Gullion AONB Partnership with has successfully secured funding for over £1.1 million (total budget £2.3million) from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s (NIEA) Environment Fund. This funding package will enable partnerships to contribute to the coordination and facilitation of the management of the Ring of Gullion and Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); and the Strangford Lough, Murlough and Carlingford Lough Marine Protected Area (MPA) over the next five years. The funding will focus on strategic areas of nature and climate recovery as well as connecting people with the environment. The AONB Partnerships have a key role in coordination and facilitation of the management of the AONB through funding packages such as this.”
At the recent Partnership meeting Des Murphy was presented with a handmade wood-turned bowl made by a local craftsman, as a mark of appreciation for the dedication he has shown to the Ring of Gullion Partnership, acting as Chairperson for twelve years. During this time, he has always carried out his role with enthusiasm, always supportive of local heritage campaigns, and available with his local knowledge to assist where he could. Des has been a valuable part of many successful funded projects brought to the Ring of Gullion and the staff in the AONB and Geopark Team would like to thank Des for his support and hard work over the last twelve years.
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