South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray to present petition at Stormont opposing Gondola project
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray is to present the petition calling on Newry Mourne and Down District Council to halt the progress with the Visitor Centre at Thomas’s Quarry and Gondola elements of the Mourne Gateway Project.
Andrew McMurray said: “The public opinion that has been expressed to me over the years in opposition to this project has been unabated and constant.
“The public are both concerned and frustrated at this project which has led to this petition. I too share the points which the organisers of this have raised.
“The key reasons for halting the Gondola Project according to those who oppose it are set out below.”
Lack of public consultation: despite engagement sessions, the public feel that their voices and concerns have not been heard or acted upon.
Disregard for Alternative: Other more sustainable alternatives have not been properly considered. This project also goes against the current trend which is seeing the removal of such ‘upland’ visitor centres.
Financial risk: The long term financial risk that this project will place upon the rates payer is too great a risk. There are also concerns that the previously estimated cost will have risen significantly over the last number of years.
Environmental Threats: this project threatens some unique and special environmental areas. There are also grave concerns about the sustainability of this project within such a natural environment.
Adverse Aesthetic Impact: a cable car and visitor centre are industrial scale additions to what is an area of scenic natural beauty. The Glen River is one of the most aesthetically pleasing routes into the Mournes. The very thought of a loud industrial cable car going over head is ill conceived.
Negative Economic Impact: Such an attraction has the potential to divert money from local businesses. Many other tourist areas have seen negative economic impacts of such single developments with many visitors simply being bussed in and bussed out spending very little amongst the local traders.
The National Trust: as the owner of the land still has not granted consent to this project.
Weather and seasonal factors: The inclement weather is likely to impact upon the operational days of the Gondola to the point that it would not be economically viable.
McIlmurray added: “In presenting this petition to the Minister of the Economy, I hope to draw his attention to the amount of feeling towards this project and that he would exert some influence to engage in a rethink of the problematic elements.
“Going forward it would be hoped that the more sustainable and publicly palatable options for enhancing the Mourne Mountains, while also stimulating economic growth, could be further explored which would both benefit visitors to, and residents of, Newcastle and the wider South Down constituency.”
Many residents in Newcastle also see the impact of a higher volume of traffic to Newcastle adversely affecting parking as at busy periods currently parking in Newcastle can be a challenge.
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Council Says Extensive Environmental Consideration Will Be Given
A spokesperson for Newry Mourne and Down District Council said: ““We are currently in a new phase of public engagement and at this early stage of the project we are gathering views to inform the concept design which the Integrated Consultancy Team is currently developing.
“While looking at similar successful projects around the world we will be carefully considering the unique setting of the Mournes and conducting an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment as part of the planning process.
“As the design develops, further events will be held to present the emerging design and seek further feedback. These further phases of public engagement for the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project are planned for early next year and in spring/summer 2025.
“The full business case, once completed, will also help us understand more detail around the financial projections and the economic benefits of the project.”
