To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on Nature Recovery projects at Divis and the Black Mountain.

Mr Muir

The National Trust, with local communities and partners, is undertaking the Divis — A View to the Future project for both people and nature. It is intended to deliver accessible urban upland green spaces where people and place thrive together in a healthy, nature-rich and wild landscape. The project is being funded by my Department's environment fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the National Trust. To date, the project has been gathering scientific information to inform the development of habitat restoration plans. It is anticipated that a peatland restoration plan will be released and work commenced in autumn 2025. New pond areas are due to be created by March 2026. Improved visitor facilities and enhanced access to the hills are a key part of the project. This will include the establishment of a 1·5-kilometre Glencairn route connecting Ballygomartin to the existing path network on Divis and Black Mountain. Planning permission was granted for the project in February, and works are due to commence on-site from summer 2025. The project provides a great example of connecting communities and people to nature and providing outdoor recreation opportunities that will help enhance the mental health and well-being of citizens. It also delivers important space for nature.

Mr Muir

Thank you, Nuala. I would be delighted to do that. I have been to see the work that the National Trust is taking forward, and I would be delighted to take up your kind invite for a visit. Hopefully, we can do that in the time ahead.