Council officials have “committed” to securing £30m from a City Deal in the wake of a Stormont agency’s refusal for a Co Down cable car attraction.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) had planned to move its failed Mourne Gondola project from Newcastle to Rostrevor, but it is now not supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).
Minister Andrew Muir (Alliance) has highlighted “serious concerns about the potential impact the project would have on environmentally sensitive areas” when turning down the proposal.
However, NMDDC told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it remains focussed on seeking another suitable project for the pledged Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) funding.
A spokesperson said: “NMDDC working under a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Daera for the development of tourism facilities at Kilbroney, Slieve Gullion and Castlewellan Forest Parks, has invested more than £10m over the last ten years, with plans for further investment in a treetop walk attraction in Castlewellan Forest Park.
“With the full agreement of Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) partners and the support of the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce, the Council had recently been exploring a proposal to deliver the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project in Kilbroney Forest Park, with environmental sensitivity and sustainability being core principles of the project.
“NMDDC remains committed to securing the £30 million BRCD investment for the district and is actively exploring options with our partners in BRCD, Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy. Further updates will be provided in the coming weeks.”
The council announced in May that it was working to relocate the Mourne Mountain Gateway project to the other side of the Mournes at Kilbroney Park in the village of Rostrevor. The move came after landowners the National Trust withdrew co-operation from the project.
The failed Mournes Gateway project was to be funded with £30m from the BRCD with the council making up the rest of the estimated £44m development. The same funding mechanism was to be transferred to a potential new gondola in Kilbroney.
However, it has now emerged that Daera will not support the latest project, putting the future of the BRCD cash in doubt.
A spokesperson for Daera said:”Minister Muir has serious concerns about the potential impact the project would have on environmentally sensitive areas, existing woodlands, ancient trees, wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the aesthetic and social value of the local landscape.
“Given these concerns, the department is not in a position to support the council’s proposal for the project to be constructed at Rostrevor forest and Forest Service has accordingly conveyed this position to the council.”
Crolieve Independent rep, Jarlath Tinnelly responded to Daera’s decision claiming it was widely supported by people from the south Down village.
He said: “I welcome Minister Muirs’ announcement although it comes as no surprise whatsoever considering the many environmental challenges this proposal would likely have faced.
“The decision also widely reflects the opinion of the people I represent, who would have been left to look at this ugly scar on our treasured forest and park on a daily basis long after the novelty factor had worn off.
“I also welcome the fact that this decision from Daera has been forthcoming in a relatively short period thereby ensuring ratepayers weren’t burdened with more unnecessary and reckless expense that inevitably would have been otherwise incurred.”
