Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Pictured at the Cookstown Meeting, from left to right:

Lord Morrow MLA, Ian McCrea MLA, Lyall Plant Chief Executive Countryside Alliance Ireland, Francie Molloy MLA, Patsy McGlone MLA 

Countryside Alliance Ireland was delighted with the show of support from their members, supporters and MLAs at the regional meetings held recently throughout Northern Ireland to highlight the imminent threats to country sports. 

Please "Click Here" to download The Threats Facing Country Sports and the Rural Way of Life in Northern Ireland

There are several different Bills that are currently being considered; many of these will affect not only the public’s way of life but also many careers.  There are thousands employed within countryside sports in Northern Ireland; shooting alone has 2,100 full time employees whilst horse racing creates an equivalent of 18,300 full time jobs. 

The show of support from politicians was greatly appreciated by all at the meetings and the MLAs were left in no doubt as to the strength of feeling in respect of threats to country sports and rural activities.

The MLAs addressed the meetings and every one of them reiterated the same point, that contacting MLAs does make a difference in them formulating opinions.  They hold the key to opposing any future bans, therefore we need to stand united and demonstrate that those who support country sports and rural activities are a much bigger group than those who oppose it.

Lyall Plant, Chief Executive of Countryside Alliance Ireland, commented, "With the very future of country sports and rural activities in Northern Ireland being challenged, it is vital that we have the continued support of our members, friends and all country sports enthusiasts.”

Countryside Alliance Ireland would like to thank all those who attended the meetings, especially given the relatively short notice which was out of our control.  With the Assembly reconvening the first week of September, the second consideration stage of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill will be to the fore and time is not on our side.  We urge you to contact all of the MLAs within your constituency as a matter of priority.  If you were unable to attend the meeting the information pack may be downloaded at www.caireland.org

We would also like to thank the representatives from the Irish Masters of Beagles Association, the Ulster Angling Federation, the Northern Ireland Master of Hounds Association and the Hunting Association of Northern Ireland who fully support our aims and endeavours.