General N.I.

Duty of Department to balance interests N.I.

3.— [F1 (1)] In discharging its functions in relation to any land the Department shall, so far as is consistent with the proper and efficient discharge of those functions, have regard to and endeavour to achieve a reasonable balance between the following considerations—

(a) the promotion and maintenance of a stable and efficient agricultural industry;

(b) the economic and social interest of rural areas;

(c) the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside (including its flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features) and of any features of archaeological interest there; and

(d) the promotion of the enjoyment of the countryside by the public.

[F2 (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in relation to forestry land within the meaning of the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.]

F1 Art. 3 renumbered (13.9.2010) as art. 3(1) by Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 (c. 10), ss. 38(2)(a), 39(1) (with s. 37); S.R. 2010/309, art. 2, Sch.

F2 Art. 3(2) inserted (13.9.2010) by Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 (c. 10), ss. 38(2)(b), 39(1) (with s. 37); S.R. 2010/309, art. 2, Sch.