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South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale have welcomed yesterday's 1 May announcement from the National Trust that they will not be considering a bid for the use of land at Thomas's Quarry for the controversial gondola project in the Mournes.
The project had received £30m funding from Belfast Region City Deal with council due to spend an additional £14m for a Visitor Centre at Thomas Quarry in the Mournes with a Gondola uplift from Donard Park, Newcastle.
Following the announcement Mr McMurray said: “Given the hugely significant environmental issues associated with the project, especially in light of the damage done by recent fires, as well the serious concerns around economic viability, this move from the National Trust is incredibly welcome.
“This aspect of the Mournes Gondola Project is one that’s been deeply controversial within the community, and is extremely unpopular with many local residents who have expressed deep worry and frustration over the course of it’s development."
The Alliance Party MLA added: “We’re proud to have been at the forefront of the fight, alongside dedicated local activists, to make sure their voices were heard from council to the Assembly, and we're glad their concerns have been fully taken on board.”
Cllr Truesdale added: “Having spoken at length before about the glaring lack of transparency and seeming disregard for how best to use ratepayers’ money in the case of the Gondola project, this is very welcome to see.
“Openness, transparency, and ensuring value for money should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government. From what we’ve observed so far in the progression of the Gondola aspect of the Gateway Project it's clear this isn’t being met, and this reconsideration has been a long time coming.
“Whether it’s the lack of public consultation, the disregard for other, more sustainable, uses for the funding being put into it, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment, there are many valid reasons people here oppose different aspects of the Gondola project."
