National Trust halt Mourne Mountains gondola and visitor centre project
Plans for a cable car through the Mourne Mountains have been dealt a blow after the National Trust said it wouldn't lease out the land needed for the controversial project.
The charity has said the gateway scheme would put more pressure on habitats damaged in recent years, especially those impacted by wildfires.
However, the local council has said the project would be a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' for the area.
The National Trust is responsible for parts of the Eastern Mournes Special Area of Conservation.
The area includes Thomas's Quarry on Slieve Donard which is the proposed site for the £44m gondola station and visitor centre.
The trust previously expressed their concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project.
In a statement the National Trust said the plans 'would risk placing additional pressures on already degraded upland habitats.'
The charity added that they cannot support a project of such scale that would invite 'substantial visitor numbers into fragile and threatened areas' therefore they would 'not be considering a lease at Thomas's Quarry.'
In a statement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said they are 'disappointed' by the decision not to grant the lease.
'This decision is particularly frustrating as a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is already underway, to address the specific concerns raised by the trust.'
They added that the project was a 'huge economic loss' for the area and had 'tremendous potential' to create employment and attract up to 365,000 visitors per year by 2029.
South Down DUP MLA Diane Forsythe has described the halt as 'deeply concerning'.
Ms Forsythe said it 'could mean the loss of £30m government funding' from the Belfast Region City Deal which would be 'a significant setback' for the local economy.'
She added, 'we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.'
However, Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has described the move as 'incredibly welcome' due to 'environmental issues associated with the project…as well as concerns around economic viability.'
Mr McMurray termed the project as 'deeply controversial' and 'extremely unpopular' with many local residents.
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