Latest news with #BelfastRegionCityDeal
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Gondola relocation plan a slap in the face for the people of Rostrevor, says protest group
The plan by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was revealed on Wednesday afternoon. The local authority said it was 'exploring' the option of moving the gondola, also called the Mourne Gateway Project, to Kilbroney Forest Park. The project was originally earmarked for Newcastle, only to be axed earlier this month. Doubts were raised over the future of £30m in project funding offered through the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) after the National Trust refused to lease the council land on Slieve Donard for the project. The council said retaining the funding would require the agreement of all BRCD partners, and any proposal 'must meet the BRCD objectives to enhance the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as a world-class visitor destination'. Kilbroney Forest Park is owned and run by the council, which said the gondola had the potential to become a 'transformative visitor experience', with 'environmental sensitivity'a key part of the plan. The council added: 'The cable car route is yet to be determined, but it will not pass through the ancient oak woodland and development would be carried out in a sustainable manner that protects the park's natural assets.' The council also pointed out that the project was supported by the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce, which described it as 'a game-changer for tourism in the region'. Others in the area, however, are staunchly opposed. Bronagh Vos, from Rostrevor, started the 'Say NO to Gondola in Rostrevor' Facebook page on Wednesday evening, with more than 150 people joining the group overnight. A poll on the page shows overwhelming opposition to the project. Bronagh, who uses the park daily, said the council's decision to announce the project without community consultation showed a 'complete disregard' for the people of Rostrevor. 'The proposal to relocate the failed gondola project to Rostrevor, without any form of public consultation with the local community, existing businesses and clubs, is unacceptable and alarming,' she added. 'This decision shows a complete disregard for the people who live here, the integrity of our landscape, and the principles of transparent, community-led planning.' She said Rostrevor was not a 'dumping ground' for rejected projects, and called for the 'abandonment of any plans being advanced behind closed doors without local community input'. Independent councillor Mark Gibbons said he was notified of the plan just minutes before the announcement was made. He said the council's lack of transparency was 'demoralising' and the decision was a 'hurried mess'. 'There are many other things this money could be spent on, such as the renovation of Warrenpoint Baths, a community centre for Warrenpoint and the upgrading of Kilbroney Park pitches, to name just a few,' he added. 'The people of Warrenpoint and Rostrevor have waited long enough and have paid enough rates over the decades to warrant proper respect. 'This project seems to be a hurried mess of disrespect and squander.' Mr Gibbons warned that his confidence in the council was 'at tipping point' and described the authority's lack of notice as worrying. 'I would call for a public consultation on this matter immediately. It really should have been done before it was announced,' he said. 'There needs to be measures put in place where the community is not being kept in the dark and the council can provide us with basic information, not just hoodwink us into these ludicrous decisions. 'St Bronagh's GAA and the Rossowen soccer club have been campaigning for changing facilities for the past few years, and are getting nowhere. 'The irony of this is that if it goes ahead, the first thing people will see on their gondola ride is young children getting changed in a ditch on the side of the pitches because the money was not spent on what is needed most.' Bronagh's GAA secretary Richy Byrne said his club and Rossowen FC had been campaigning for changing facilities for the past five years. He described the announcement as a 'total shock' and said it was 'hugely frustrating' after lobbying for basic facilities for half a decade. Mr Byrne continued: 'It makes us wonder, was there any intent on behalf of the council to fulfil the needs of young kids in the area, or are they just concerned with looking elsewhere?' The clubs asked the council to 'make this project an urgent priority, to take a firm grip of the application, and bring it to planning for a decision without any further delay so that work can begin to give the local area, our members and community a facility that is fit for purpose, on par with other council lead facilities across the country, and something we can be proud of'. However, Sinn Fein's Sinead Ennis welcomed the relocation plan. The South Down MLA said: 'It is welcome news that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are doing all they can to secure the £30m BRCD investment in the area. 'This would be a game changer, helping to unlock the full tourism potential of Kilbroney Forest Park. 'Sinn Fein is ambitious for Kilbroney. We want to work with others to build on its well-established popularity and ensure it continues to thrive as a destination for locals and visitors alike. 'I believe that, with the right investment Kilbroney Park, could become the number one adventure tourism destination on the island of Ireland.' Ms Ennis added that this development, on top of the upcoming opening of Narrow Water Bridge, would draw visitors to the area. 'This ambitious project could have huge social and economic benefits for the area,' she continued. 'Protecting the environment is central to this proposal. The exact route for the cable car is still under consideration, but it will not cross the ancient oak woodland. 'Any development will follow sustainable practices to safeguard the park's natural features. 'I look forward to seeing how this project develops and the positive impact it will have on Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and the wider South Down region.' Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was asked if it would launch a public consultation. While it did not address this directly, it said: 'The Council is now actively exploring a proposal to deliver the Mourne Mountains Gateway project in Kilbroney Forest Park and looks forward to working closely with community stakeholders, environmental experts, BRCD and tourism partners to develop the Kilbroney Park proposal to ensure it reflects the shared ambition for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future.'
ITV News
01-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
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.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National Trust blocks cable car plan for NI's highest mountain
The National Trust has said it will not lease land it manages in the Mourne Mountains for the development of a cable car up Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain. The proposed £44m project would have involved the development of a 1km cable car structure from Donard Park up to a disused quarry. The National Trust has said the project should not go ahead in light of the "fragile and threatened" state of the Mourne landscape. However a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member for the area has warned the decision could jeopardise £30m of government city deal money earmarked for the project. Diane Forsythe said the scheme, funded from the Belfast Region City Deal, was "designed to support sustainable tourism and enhanced accessibility to the Mournes". She said that the loss of funds "would be a significant setback for our local economy and for the long-term vision of developing the Mournes as a world-class destination accessible to all". "We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away," Forsythe added. However, Alliance assembly member Andrew McMurray welcomed the move, given the "hugely significant environmental issues associated with the project, especially in light of the damage done by recent fires, as well as the serious concerns around economic viability". In a statement, the National Trust said its responsibility is to "restore nature in the Mournes, whilst balancing safe and sustainable access for people". Last month, there were almost 150 wildfires causing a devastating impact on habitats in the mountain range. The National Trust is responsible for the land in the Eastern Mournes Special Area of Conservation including Slieve Donard and Thomas Quarry - the site earmarked for the proposed gondola station and visitor centre. In a statement on Thursday, the trust confirmed the proposed project would "risk placing additional pressures on already degraded upland habitats". It would therefore "not be considering a lease at Thomas Quarry". The trust said it has engaged with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on the project proposals but have "consistently expressed our serious concerns" as far back as eight years ago and "encouraged other options to be considered". "We have never endorsed the project and have not been a partner in its development," it added. The trust said its concerns about the upland habitats not being in a "favourable condition" are shared by local people. Last year, a petition of about 6,000 signatures opposing the project was presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Those behind the petition said they have environmental and economic concerns about the viability of the scheme that hopes to attract about 350,000 annual visitors. There was also a number businesspeople who supported the project as they believed it would help create a year-round tourist economy for the region. Firefighters tackle weekend of wildfires
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Mournes Gondola: National Trust pauses engagement with local council
Plans for a 1km (0.6mile) long cable car ascending Slieve Donard have taken a major blow after the National Trust - one of the landowners on the mountain - said it would be pausing engagement with the local council behind the the Trust said, is until it receives robust and comprehensive environmental assessments on the news will come as a major blow to Newry, Mourne and Down Council who hoped the facility would be operational by News NI has contacted the council for comment. The Mournes Gateway Project, better known as the Mourne Gondola, is a cable car ride that would ascend some 230m from Donard Park in Newcastle to the disused Thomas Quarry on Slieve quarry sits just above the treeline on Northern Ireland's highest peak and is owned by the National Trust. The project is expected to cost £44m, with £30m coming from the Belfast Region City Deal and the remainder from Newry, Mourne and Down District its development, it has had a mixed response with positivity from many in the local business community and opposition from others, including December last year a petition of nearly 6,000 objections was presented at the Assembly. Following that the Council promised a series of engagement reported by the Irish News, on Tuesday, the National Trust has said that it is "pausing engagement" with the council behind the project. Andy Carden was the man behind the petition objecting to the project and also sits on the stakeholder group."I can't speak on behalf of the other stakeholders, but my impression has been that the process has been poor," he told BBC News NI."Most of the stakeholders probably want to talk about the fundamental issues about building a visitors' centre in the quarry on the mountain."Instead it feels like a tick box exercise discussing minor parts of the issue."Newry, Mourne and Down Council had hoped the facility could be open by 2029. BBC News NI have asked the council where Tuesday's developments leave the project. Trust needs 'robust and comprehensive environmental assessments' The Trust's statement said: "In the spirit of our Memorandum of Understanding, we remain open to engage with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) and key stakeholders."Despite not being directly involved in the project development, we have engaged throughout, sharing our own environmental data on the area, including information on ongoing efforts to restore the fragile upland habitats and maintain existing paths."Our strategy prioritises nature restoration and looking after wildlife, historic places, and landscapes and, as a conservation charity, we need to prioritise where we use our resources towards our core conservation objectives."We have consistently stated the need for robust and comprehensive environmental assessments and until we receive this, we are pausing our engagement at this time."
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will new road be 'key infrastructure' or 'insanity'?
Some people say it will be a "key piece of infrastructure", while others call parts of the plans "insanity". Now a public consultation on the Newry Southern Relief Road has come to an end. The road would link the main A1/N1/M1 Belfast to Dublin road with the A2 Warrenpoint to Newry dual carriageway. If it goes ahead, the project is expected to cost between £110m and £130m, much of which is due to come from the Belfast Region City Deal (£93.4m). Those in favour of the road say it will reduce congestion in Newry city centre, stimulate the economy, and improve access to Warrenpoint port. But opponents have raised concerns about a fixed bridge crossing Newry Ship Canal, while residents of the rural Flagstaff and Fathom areas do not want a major road sweeping through the countryside. Michael Savage from Newry Chamber of Commerce spoke to BBC News NI in the centre of Newry, standing by a stretch of road that perhaps best represents the rationale for the relief road. A junction there sees HGV traffic from Belfast, Dublin, and everywhere trying to make its way through the relatively narrow Kilmorey Street on its way to and from Warrenpoint port. "From day one the chamber has been fundamentally behind the delivery of this very key piece of infrastructure for this region," Mr Savage said. "We fully support the southern relief road, and we want it delivered as quickly as possible. "It's about relieving the lungs of the people of Newry and removing thousands of HGV vehicles coming from Warrenpoint port out of the city centre and also creating great access for the development of our port to the eastern seaboard and the A1 corridor between Belfast and Dublin." Mr Savage said it would take thousands of HGV movements each year out of the city centre. The preferred route is around 2.5 miles (4km) long, but the geographical layout of Newry means it is far from straightforward. That is because the Warrenpoint dual carriageway effectively runs flush with the shoreline on the County Down side of Carlingford Lough. To get to the Belfast-Dublin road (on the Armagh side of the lough), the new route must rise quickly up the steep inclines of Flagstaff and Fathom, with a river and canal in between. As a result, not everyone is happy with the plan. Brian Clelland, a member of the Newry 2020 campaign group, which was originally established to drive plans for a City Park, takes issue with the plan for a fixed bridge across the ship canal. He said it would block the canal, which is nearly 300 years old and is the oldest working canal in Ireland. "The Southern Relief Road in its current form will block that permanently, so they'll destroy access to Newry for tall ships and, in fact, most masted vessels," he said. "It's also well known that the Dublin government is building the Narrow Water bridge just outside Warrenpoint, and the insanity of it is that they are spending millions to have a beautiful opening bridge that would allow tall ships up, but the Southern Relief Road that is being built by Stormont is building a fixed bridge that would block tall ships." Higher up along the route is Roisín Morgan, who has lived in the Flagstaff area for most of her life. Ms Morgan said the road would destroy the rural area. "The ground I'm standing on, we're going to lose," she said. "The road is going through several plots of land, and it's going to come up through the field below us. "They have to dig down, so there'll be a lot of blasting through granite if the road goes ahead, which I hope it won't be. "Then it goes into Benson's Glen, which is a historic woodland; there are trees there that are hundreds of years old." Ms Morgan said the proposals would "put 7,000 vehicles a day coming up this hill". "I know they are talking about the air pollution in Newry, but they should be reducing air pollution, not moving it," she said. The new Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is from Newry, and in the past she has spoken about her preference for a lifting bridge over Newry Canal as part of the project. A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "The minister will... consider responses as part of the consultation process, including whether or not to move forward to public inquiry." They said Kimmins was unavailable for interview. Newry bypass bridge won't open for passing boats Newry regeneration scheme a bridge too far?
