Mourne Mountains cable car project on the move to Kilbroney as council tries to keep hold of Belfast City Deal millions
A cancelled scheme to build a cable car in the Mournes is on the move as the council behind it tries to keep hold of millions of pounds from the Belfast City Region Deal.
The controversial £50m Mournes Gateway Project was to build a “gondola experience” travelling 230m up Slieve Donard, finishing in Thomas Quarry – where there were plans to build a visitors centre.
It proved unpopular with thousands of locals who signed a petition calling for it to be scrapped, arguing it would scar the environment and obstruct long-standing walking trails without bringing much in the way of economic benefits.
A few weeks ago, it looked as if the cable car project was scuppered, after the National Trust refused to give Newry, Mourne and Down Council a lease to build on Thomas Quarry.
Now the council says it’s trying to get the idea off the ground on the opposite side of the Mournes – Kilbroney Forest Park, close to Rostrevor and the shore of Carlingford Lough in Co Down.
The cable car was going to be paid for using £14m from the council, along with £30m of funding from the Belfast City Region Deal. The region deal cash would be pulled out of the council’s hands if the project is cancelled.
Even if the move goes ahead, the region deal money isn’t guaranteed, as to keep it officials have prove the project is “of sufficient scale and nature, [and] capable of attracting visitors from outside Northern Ireland to the region and encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more”.
Shifting the Mournes Gateway cable car to Kilbroney has already won the backing of Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce, council spokespeople claimed this evening (28th), adding the chamber believe it would be “a game-changer for tourism”.
Say spokespeople: “With the imminent opening of the Narrow Water Bridge [to the Republic across Carlingford Lough], this would create a compelling tourism offering in the district, while also encouraging visitors to continue their journeys into the heart of the Mournes and beyond.”
The council added: “The cable car route is yet to be determined but it will not pass through the ancient oak woodland, and development would be carried out in a sustainable manner that protects the park’s natural assets.
"The project would be designed to promote accessibility, allowing people of all abilities to experience the breath-taking landscapes and biodiversity of the area. It will spotlight the rich history and geological uniqueness of the Mourne Mountains, enhancing appreciation and stewardship of this treasured environment.
“Importantly, the facility will reinvest in the protection, maintenance and enhancement of Kilbroney Forest Park for future generations.”
A spokesperson added: “We look forward to working closely with community stakeholders, environmental experts, Belfast City Region Deal and tourism partners to develop the Kilbroney Park proposal to ensure it reflects the shared ambition for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
Tourism sites plug Kilbroney Park as featuring lush forests, scenic trails, a fairy glen, the CS Lewis-themed Narnia Trail, and views of Carlingford Lough.
“Kilbroney Park is a wonderful escape for all the family no matter their different ages and stages,” states the Visit Mourne Mountains site. “The offering on just this one site makes it something of a unique family destination.”
Sinn Féin MLA, Sinéad Ennis, welcomed the news.
The South Down MLA said: “It is welcome news that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are doing all they can to secure the £30million Belfast Region City Deal investment in the area.
“This would be a game changer for South Down, helping to unlock the full tourism potential of Kilbroney Forest Park. Sinn Féin is ambitious for Kilbroney, we want to work with others to build on its well-established popularity and ensure it continues to thrive as a destination for locals and visitors alike.
“I believe that with the right investment Kilbroney Park could become the number one adventure tourism destination on the island of Ireland.”
Ms Ennis added this development on top of the upcoming opening of the Narrow Water Bridge would attract visitors to the area where they could experience the outstanding beauty of the Mournes.
“This ambitious project could have huge social and economic benefits for the area,” she added.
“Protecting the environment is central to this proposal. The exact route for the cable car is still under consideration, but it will not cross the ancient oak woodland. Any development will follow sustainable practices to safeguard the park’s natural features.
“I look forward to seeing how this project develops and the positive impact it will have on Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and the wider South Down region.”