Write a comment
Proposals for a world class visitor experience in the Mourne Mountains will be on view to the public as part of an information day in Newcastle on 9 March where the public can talk to staff and comment on the project. The project will involve the regeneration of the disused Thomas Quarry near Newcastle and is expected to cost £44m with a contribution of £30m from Belfast Region City Deal.
The information day at O’Hare’s, Central Promenade, Newcastle, will be open for two sessions on 9 March between 10am to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm.
The Mourne Mountains Gateway Project aims to redefine the visitor experience of the Mourne Mountains whilst supporting the sustainable growth of tourism and protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and habitat of the region. The project will deliver a visitor attraction of international interest and create improved and more sustainable access to the Mournes.
The Belfast Region City Deal describe the project on their website "The project includes the establishment of a Visitor Centre in the Mournes and the creation of a mountainside Gondola experience commencing in Donard Park, Newcastle. A mountain top visitor centre will give visitors an opportunity to connect with nature’s rugged beauty, discover the secrets of the Mournes, and experience unobstructed views across Dundrum Bay, the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man."
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Michael Savage said, “An overall £200 million package of investment is coming to our district through Belfast Region City Deal funding for projects based on tourism, regeneration, and innovation. For the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project, £30 million of the total estimated project cost of £44 million is earmarked for Belfast Region City Deal funding. This is an unmissable opportunity for us in Newry, Mourne and Down to offer a tourist attraction of international interest that will support the sustainable growth of tourism and hospitality.
“We can now share further details on how we visualise this project coming to life, with key themes including a focus on supporting sustainable tourism, and improvements to infrastructure and accessibility. I would encourage residents to come along to the information day on 9 March and see the proposals at first hand.”
