NMD Council backs motion supporting re-opening of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre outside Newcastle
Councillor Niall Lawlor (Sinn Féin) has welcomed the support received for a motion brought before NMD Council this month regarding the future of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.
He said: “Since taking up my role as councillor for the Mournes DEA, the future of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre has been a key priority for me and the local Sinn Féin team.
“We have engaged with a range of stakeholders from across the outdoor recreation sector, as well as the local community, to ensure their voices are reflected in the ongoing review being undertaken by Sport NI.”
“This is a high-quality facility, and it is regrettable that it has remained closed for such a considerable period.
“At a time when we are seeing significant increases in visitor numbers to the Mourne Mountains, the role the centre plays in safety training and the development of mountain leadership is more important than ever and therefore, should not be assessed solely by profit margins.”
“We want to see the re-opening of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre at the earliest possible opportunity, alongside the development of a long-term, financially sustainable operating model which protects its core education and training services while also improving access for the local community.”
“It is also important that the findings of the on-going review, and any proposed operating models, are shared with Council to ensure alignment with local development and tourism strategies.”
“This centre has the potential to become a real hub for the local community and the wider outdoor recreation sector, and I will continue working to ensure it reaches that potential.”
The motion presented by Cllr Niall Lawlor:
At the Full Council Meeting (13 4 2026).
It reads: “This Council notes the ongoing review and current status of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Bryansford and recognises the significant concern within the local community and the wider outdoor recreation sector regarding its future.
“This Council recognises that Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is a world class facility in the heart of the Mournes, providing an essential public service in safety training and the development of mountain leadership.
“This service must be protected in the context of increasing visitor numbers to the Mournes, ensuring the safety of those using our natural environment.
“This Council resolves to write to the Chief Executive of Sport NI to reiterate its support for the reopening of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre at the earliest possible opportunity, alongside the development of a long-term, financially sustainable operating model which protects core education and training services while improving access for the local community.
“The Council will also request that the findings of the ongoing review, and any proposed operating models, are shared with the Council to ensure alignment with local development and tourism strategies.”
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