Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down District Council have issued a statement following recent social media comments about potential admission charges to the Car Park at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, mobile vendors and the closing of Grounded Expresso Bars cafe at Slieve Gullion Courtyard.
The Council state that no date has yet been set to start charging at the facility.
Local enterprise Synge and Byrne have announced they are opening at the facility next week and they are recruiting for staff.
The statement reads ”Newry, Mourne and Down District Council do not have a contractual arrangement with Grounded for cafe provision in Slieve Gullion. This is a private arrangement with Clanrye Developments and Council can therefore not comment on this matter.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park is an excellent resource for both the local community and an increasing number of visitors. The Park has received substantial investment in recent years which is a major factor on the huge numbers who choose to visit. To provide a facility to this high standard requires substantial annual investment by the Council in staffing, litter control, parking and toilet facilities. In addition further investment is required to provide enhanced parking and additional toilet facilities, which is some of the future capital investment planned. To help fund investment in the Park and ensure the facilities at Slieve Gullion are maintained to a high standard the Council is considering the introduction of a charge into the car park.
It is anticipated free entry to the Park will continue during the winter period and midweek outside the Easter and summer season. No date has been agreed to commence charging and advance notification of this will be provided once agreed.
To meet visitor demand and provide the visitor with choice, the Council have appointed two mobile vendors, one hot food and one ice-cream. This will provide the visitor with the choice of visiting the cafe, using the picnic facilities or the mobile vendor."
