The Green Party has welcomed a u-turn by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson who has re-declared Lisnaragh in Co. Tyrone as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Green Party Environment spokesperson Dr. Peter Doran said: “We welcome Sammy’s U-turn brought about by the prospect of having to defend his decision in the High Court. The case of Lisnaragh is a textbook example of why we need an Independent Environmental Protection Agency, which will not compromise environmental protection because of commercial lobbying.  Friends of the Earth must be congratulated on their preparedness to use the courts to bring Minster Wilson into line with his responsibilities to the environment and the people of Northern Ireland.”

Dr. Doran concluded: “I very much agree with the views of Friends of the Earth that Sammy Wilson has unintentionally, but convincingly, made the case for an Independent EPA, something he has vociferously opposed.”