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Restoration works are due to start at Slieve Gullion which will result in a much improved Pathway on County Armagh's jewel in the crown!
The completion of the Pathway in the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will certainly encourage more people to use this outstanding free natural resource.
The contract has been awarded to Oliver Hearty. He and his team are eager and ready to begin work on this much sought after pathway.
An assessment was carried out on the condition of the pathway on Slieve Gullion and it identified that a number of sections are badly eroded and require maintenance and repair to ensure the path remains in good condition for users.
Engineers from Nicholas O’Dwyer’s have worked tirelessly with lots of people to ensure the path plans are sustainable, fitting to the landscape, and most importantly halts the erosion on this section of the mountain.
Over the coming months you will see lots of work on the mountain, access will not be affected but there may be slight disruption to traffic flow on the forest drive. To keep up to date and for full details go to www.ringofgullion.org
This project is managed by CASA (Castleblaney/South Armagh) Partnership thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund, INTERREG IVA Programme. The CASA programme is boosting tourism in the Castleblaney/South Armagh area through £1.3million funding secured for facilities development. The completion of the pathway will make it a much better quality walking path and will attract visitors from all over.
John McArdle, Mayor of Newry and Mourne helped to get the dig underway and stated his delight that the Pathway repair is taking place. “It is hoped that the Pathway will act as a magnet to attract more visitors to the Slieve Gullion and South Armagh area. This type of work is welcomed by the local community as it follows the completion of the Slieve Gullion Playpark which is already making a difference to the level of tourism activity.”
Ring of Gullion Project Officer, Darren Rice added that the Pathway project is an ideal way to improve the already recognised area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. “I have been looking forward to getting this project up and running, I have no doubt this will be welcomed by walkers and explorer from all over Ireland and beyond. It is hoped that the Pathway will be ready for use by early 2013.
For more information on the work plans of the CASA Project, contact Marian O’ Rourke , marian.orourke@newryandmourne.gov.uk For events, attractions and places to eat and stay in the Ring of Gullion and South Armagh area visit: www.ringofgullion.org, search for Ring of Gullion on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.visitnewryandmourne.com.
