Write a commentChairperson of the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism (ERT) Committee Cllr Pete Byrne has welcomed the progress that has been made on realising plans for an interpretative centre at Slieve Gullion’s Chambre House. Chambre House is situated on Hawthorne Hill on the side of a forest track on a steeply sloping site in the grounds of Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
The house built by Hunt Walsh Chambre around 1815 was burnt down during civil unrest in the 1920's.
Cllr Byrne said, "At this month’s ERT meeting we agreed to accelerate plans to turn Slieve Gullion’s Chambre House into an interpretative centre which will add to the Forest Park’s visitor experience in the future. This project is now reliant on funding from an application submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Our Council has demonstrated its commitment to offering five-star facilities at Slieve Gullion Forest Park by ring fencing £940,000 for the centre through the Capital Rates rolling programme.
"While we wait on our application to the Departments Rural Tourism Scheme to be processed, our Committee and Council has a job of work to do to ensure that our vision for Chambre House is realised. Over the last number of years, Slieve Gullion has benefited from millions of pounds worth of investment. Last year we committed to upgrading tourist information facilities and restrooms. These upgrades will include work to make the parks amenities more accessible for disabled visitors."
The Slieve Gullion Councillor added "Such is Slieve Gullion’s reputation, it now attracts visitors from the length and breath of Ireland. In fact, over 300,000 people visit the park every year. With the parks Footsteps in the Forest Festival set to return this year with an increased budget, Slieve Gullion is yet again ready to showcase what it has to offer. Our vision for Chambre House will only set Slieve Gullion apart in a positive way from other parks in the district and on the island."
