20 October 2000

SAM FOSTER BIDS FAREWELL TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS COUNCIL

The Minister of the Environment, Sam Foster, MLA, today attended a lunch in Hillsborough Courthouse at the final meeting of the current Historic Buildings Council.

The Council's 3-year term of office, which ends this month, was marked by the Minister, who thanked the members for their contribution:

"I know that the Council has been fully involved with the issues of the day - where Northern Ireland's historic buildings are under threat - and I would like to record my appreciation of the valued consideration which this Council gives to these issues."

Mr Foster particularly noted the work of the outgoing Chairman:

"The Historic Buildings Council has been very fortunate to serve under the leadership of such a dedicated Chairman, Mrs Primrose Wilson, whose passion and vigour for the conservation of Northern Ireland's historic buildings is recognised throughout the British Isles."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Historic Buildings Council advises the Department of the Environment on matters relating to buildings of special architectural or historical interest (listed buildings). It is constituted under Article 105 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991, and serves for 3 years.

The Council's 15-strong membership is voluntary and unpaid, although members receive out-of-pocket expenses. The Council meets monthly.

The outgoing Chairman, Mrs Primrose Wilson, was awarded the OBE for services to conservation in 1997.

The Council is currently being reconstituted with members and a new Chairman being sought by public advertisement. The new term of office will begin in November.

For further information contact Paddy Murphy, DOE Press Office, telephone 028 9054 0014/07887 503691.