Alliance representatives raise concerns over NMD council’s ‘cable car to nowhere’
South Down Alliance MLA Patrick Brown and Slieve Croob Councillor Andrew McMurray have expressed their party’s concerns over Newry Mourne and Down Council’s plans to spend £44m on a ‘gondola’ project and associated ‘Mourne Gateway’ initiatives in Newcastle.
Although the Council”s contribution to the project is expected to be just £14million, the controversial proposals will enable those visiting the Mournes to take a cable car, a ‘gondola,’ from Donard Park all the way to a new visitor centre at Thomas Quarry half way up Slieve Donard.
The project is being funded through £30m of Belfast and City R egional Deal (BCRD) funding, and the Council as the project sponsor have committed £14m from their capital programme.
It is one of three flagship projects being delivered across the district through the city deal. The other two are in Newry: The Southern Relief Road and the Newry City Centre Regeneration project.
Explaining his concerns, Mr Brown said: “Alliance has been concerned about the viability of this project for some time, and since the Assembly election I have been actively engaging with key stakeholders and Newcastle residents on their thoughts on the gondola project.
“I have found, at worst, serious concerns regarding safety and environmental impact, and at best, apathy.
“First of all, the proposed visitor centre will be located in an extremely beautiful and sensitive part of the Mournes, which is only beginning to recover from the devastating impact of last year’s wildfire.
“Turning Thomas Quarry into a building site carries severe environmental risk before the long-term visual impact and wildlife disturbance is even considered.
“As a result, I know of many local conservationists and environmental stakeholders who have serious questions about this project, questions that as of yet, our Council has been unable or unwilling to answer.
‘Secondly, there are significant safety and congestion concerns. The gondola would appear to bring people up to Thomas Quarry and leave them free to explore the Mournes from that location.
“Whilst we should encourage exploration of the mountains, we must not forget it is a dangerous and harsh landscape at times, and anyone in the area will be well aware of those who have ventured up the mountain unprepared only to require the assistance of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.
“Also, Newcastle residents see on a daily basis during the summer months the impacts of congestion around Donard Park, Bloody Bridge and the Town centre.
“Is the town’s infrastructure really ready to support this significant visitor attraction, or will it simply make local ratepayers feel even more like captives in their own homes during peak summer months?” added Patrick Brown.
Cllr McMurray said: ‘The Mournes is a world-leading attraction as it is and we are blessed to have it on our doorsteps.
“Of course, we should share this natural asset with the world and encourage tourism into our area. But our natural environment cannot be sacrificed on the alter of economic development.
“We must instead invest in sustainable, appropriate infrastructure that aids safe and active exploration of the Mournes.
“That is why, as it stands and until environmental and safety concerns can be addressed, Alliance cannot support this project’s progression and the spending of over £40m of public funds on it.”
You can read about the Belfast City Deal proposals at:
https://www.newrymournedown.org/media/uploads/brcd_deal_document_final_december_2021.pdf
