Councillor says local residents should have free access to Forest Parks

Newry Mourne and Down Councillor Willie Clarke has suggested that local residents should be able to access our forest parks for free but added that tourists should contribute. The Mournes Councillor has urged all residents to respond online to a public consultation which is seeking the views of residents on introducing a car parking charge at Kilbroney and Slieve Gullion Forest Parks.

The Sinn Féin Council Group Leader said “Within the district, the Council manages the recreation and tourism provision at Kilbroney Park, Delamont Country Park and Slieve Gullion Forest Park and will be taking over the management of Castlewellan Forest Park.

Collectively in excess of one million visitors per annum visit these amenities with an increasing number of visitors from outside the district. We believe it is important that local citizens have free access to public green spaces within council management, the development of which have been greatly assisted by local ratepayer’s contributions through the rates process”.

Cllr Clarke added “Council green spaces are integral community facilities accessed and used by many from this council area and beyond. Sinn Féin support free access to our Forest Parks for local residents. Ratepayers are already paying for the forest and country parks”.

The Councillor continued “Sinn Fein recognise that tourists need to contribute to the management of council green spaces. What is needed is a reasonable daily charge and permit arrangements to allow this to happen”.

“I have requested that Council officers scope out the mechanism to allow ratepayers to be provided with a free annual permit to access all council managed forest and country parks in the Newry, Mourne and Down council region”.

Reply to the consultation at WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.CO.UK