Public movement restrictions in The North that have seriously affected tourism are to be relaxed, Northern Agriculture Minister Ms Bríd Rodgers announced today.
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Ms Bríd Rodgers
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Under new guidelines issued by the Northern Ireland Executive, Ms Rodgers said she was trying to allow some normality return to rural areas.
The move follows yesterday's decision by the European Commission to lift the export ban imposed since the one foot-and-mouth case in the North was confirmed last month.
Ms Rodgers said the guidelines make it clear the risk has not gone but that there was no longer any real reason by public amenities should not reopen. She said it would take time to reopen some.
She said: "Nor do we consider that people should not visit the countryside, provided they continue to behave sensibly and avoid visiting farms or going near livestock."
The move follows a warning from tourist bosses of a deepening crisis in the industry. Ms Rodgers also said she hoped the dispute between the Stormont government and the North's farmers that threatens the lifting of export bans could be resolved.
The cull of 2,000 sheep in Armagh must be done before the agriculture industry can resume exports to Europe on April 3rd.
However, farmers have blocked attempts to bury animal carcasses at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. They claim it would destroy an area of natural beauty.
PA