Write a commentWestminster, South Down election candidate Chris Hazzard has welcomed the announcement of essential maintenance work on the Mourne Wall.
Describing the project as “essential in order to preserve one of south Down’s most unique assets”, Chris said that the repair work on the wall will be carried out by local stone masons under the guidance of the Mourne Heritage Trust and overseen by the NI Environment Agency.
He continued: “When work on the Mourne Wall began in 1904 it took local stonemasons 18 years to complete. At 32-km (20-miles) the wall traverses 15 mountain peaks and it is a monumental feat of engineering that has become an integral part of the hiking experience for the thousands who visit the Mournes annually.
“I understand that sections of the wall have fallen into disrepair because of bad weather, natural erosion and undercutting and these will be rebuilt using the same dry stone-walling techniques that were used during the original construction. The first phase of the project will concentrate on a 2.5km section between Slieve Loughshannagh and Slieve Meelmore.
Chris added: The Mournes is an area of outstanding natural beauty that is the equal to anywhere in Ireland and it is important funding is made available to protect its fragile eco-system and environment.
“I wish Mourne Heritage Trust and the stonemasons tasked with completing this project well in their endeavours which will help preserve the Mourne Wall for years to come.”
