SDLP Environment spokesman, Tommy Gallagher MLA has called on the Department of Environment to ensure that the Castle Archdale Education remains in public hands. He spoke out after learning of proposals to possibly privatise a number of education centres across the North next year.
However, the claim has been denied by the Department.
Mr Gallagher explained: "There are a number of education centres on site at country parks throughout the North under the control of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
"These centres are used by schools and children to assist in their learning about the importance of our natural environment.
"The Castle Archdale Centre is particularly important for a large number of schools throughout Fermanagh and Tyrone."
Other facilities can also be found in Crawfordsburn Country Park, the Quoile Countryside Centre, Co Down, Peatlands Park in Co Armagh and Roe Valley Country Park near Limavady.
"However," Mr Gallagher went on, "I understand that, over the next year, the Department plans to let these facilities run down before handing them over to private hands when they shall be run by non-governmental organisations.
"There is a real fear that this move, presumably made on grounds of cost, will now mean that these centres will become out of bounds for schools if exorbitant charges are now levied on access to these sites."
The MLA questioned where this would leave the issue of the environment within the classroom.
"Protecting and enhancing our environment and its natural resources are one of the priorities of this Executive's Programme for Government.
"What price then is being placed on our educating our children on the importance of the environment?," he asked.
Mr Gallagher added a a final plea to the Minister Sammy Wilson to, 'ensure these valuable facilities remain readily available to schools and young people.'
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment (DOE), said that while there would be some changes from next year, that the centres would remain open and free. And, she insisted there is no question that the sites would be privatised.
The spokesperson also explained that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency will continue to have a role in environmental education through its sponsorship and funding of the eco-schools programme.
It seeks to encourage schools and the local community to develop sustainable environmental management systems within their day-to-day activities.
