Alan Robinson MLA presses Minister on Roe Valley Country Park improvements and duck pond
Alan Robinson MLA has raised concerns about the future of Roe Valley Country Park's duck pond and pressed the Minister for answers on proposed improvements, which must be backed by funding and a timetable for delivery.
Alan Robinson MLA has raised proposed improvements at Roe Valley Country Park and pressed the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister for answers on whether the park’s duck pond will be reinstated.
During Assembly question time, Mr Robinson asked Minister Andrew Muir to outline investment commitments under the park’s operational management plan for 2024–2030.
The Minister outlined works including reroofing the corn store, restoring and maintaining the historic lades, repairing the Blue Bridge and associated steps, constructing a new bridge at Dog Leap and creating a riverside path upstream of Dog Leap. He made clear that delivery would be subject to the availability of capital funding.
Alan Robinson MLA said: “Roe Valley Country Park is a much-loved local asset, and I welcome the proposed improvements outlined by the Minister.
“Protecting its natural environment and historic features, while maintaining safe and accessible walking routes, is important to everyone who enjoys the park.
“However, any proposals must be backed by funding and a timetable for delivery. I want to see the ambitions within the operational management plan translated into practical improvements for park users.
“As someone who visits the park often, one of the most common questions people ask me is whether the duck pond will be reinstated. I raised that directly with the Minister so that the concerns of regular visitors were heard.
“The Minister explained that the pond is managed primarily for its biodiversity value and that any clearance work must take account of the site’s protected habitats and species, including the need for sustained low-flow conditions.
“I welcome his commitment to take the concerns I raised back to officials for further consideration. While that is not a commitment to reinstate the pond, it is important that the issue receives proper attention and that park users are given a clear response.
“I will continue to press for clarity on the pond’s future and on the funding and delivery of the wider improvements proposed for Roe Valley Country Park.”