Access and Amenity Terms of Reference

General

To keep abreast of policy and other developments associated with access and amenities which have significance for nature conservation and the countryside in Northern Ireland and to consult and inform full Council as appropriate

Specific

• To consider the outcomes of the review of the current recreational strategies for NI and ensure that appropriate checks and balances are in a place to implement and monitor their effectiveness across the whole of NI.
• To consider the influence of the Review of Public Administration on the future role of local councils in applying access legislation
• Pursue discussions with government departments on the health benefits of access in the countryside.
• Regularly evaluate progress on the changes to the legislation on Occupier's Liability and the implications for landowners.
• Pursue discussions with DRD and others for appropriate mechanisms which deliver value for money in the provision of funds for recreational schemes. Consider the most suitable umbrella body which can oversee the implementation of the access legislation and recreational strategies.
• Consider mechanisms for ensuring that the NI Sustainable Strategy is applied to all aspects of access and recreation in the countryside.