Chairperson Welcomes Public Engagement Events to Help Shape the Future of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne, has welcomed a new series of public engagement activities for the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project.

The engagement events for the Belfast Region City Deal supported project have been designed to gather important feedback and provide insights from residents and key community and business stakeholders.

Speaking after attending an information day at O’Hare’s, Newcastle on Thursday 7 November, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne, said, "The Mourne Mountains Gateway Project is an incredible opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of our region while creating tangible economic benefits for our community.

“These public engagement events have allowed us to gather important feedback and ensure that the project reflects the needs of residents and businesses. The entire local community has an active role in helping us shape the future of this important landmark project and it was encouraging to see so many involved in the engagement activity. I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to engage with these events.”

The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council led project, which has received £30 million in Belfast Region City Deal funding, will aim to deliver a world-class visitor attraction, helping connect residents and visitors to the Mourne Mountains. The Mourne Mountains Gateway Project comprises a visitor centre at the Thomas Quarry site in the Mourne Mountains and a gondola experience, which will improve accessibility by allowing users to travel sustainably and efficiently from Donard Park to the visitor centre.

In addition to the main information day event, local primary school pupils in Newcastle were given the opportunity to learn about the project in structured sessions, focussing on the environmental and tourism aspects. Secondary school students will also be engaging with the Integrated Consultancy Team on the project.

A seminar was also hosted with local businesses from a wide range of sectors to have a focussed discussion and explore how businesses could benefit from the project.

Cllr Willie Clarke, Co-Chair of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project Programme Board, said, "The Mourne Mountains Gateway Project has the potential to be a game-changer for the local economy. By enhancing sustainable tourism infrastructure, we are positioning our district as a leading tourism destination, ensuring that future generations benefit from this growth and development."

Cllr Glyn Hanna, Co-Chair of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project Programme Board, added, "This project is about more than just creating a world-class visitor centre and tourism experience. It’s about building sustainable growth in the local economy for residents and visitors to the area. The feedback we have received from a diverse range of people in the local community through this public engagement activity is invaluable to the future progress of the project.”

Aside from the current public engagement events, thoughts can also be shared via the following survey: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/ovearup/mourne-mountains-gateway-project