Committee approves appointment of gondola specialist to the £50m Mournes Gateway project

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) strategy, policy and resources (SPR) committee approved the appointment of an expert consultant behind closed doors on Thursday night (Oct 17).

However, the Alliance party, who previously raised concerns over growing project costs and environmental issues, were the only members who voted against the proposal in chambers, which included paying a secret integrated consultancy team (ICT) fee.

In open session, committee chairperson, Tierna Howie (Alliance) said: “On the Mourne Gateway project, on the proposal of Cllr Sharvin (SDLP) and seconded by Cllr Lewis (DUP), the following was agreed.

“To approve the appointment of a specialist gondola consultant for the Mourne Mountains Gateway project, also to approve the updated ICT fee as set out in the officer’s report.”

An ICT was appointed to the project during confidential session in March.

The Co Down tourism project would see the development of a visitor centre at the Thomas Quarry in the Mournes with a connecting a gondola lift from Donard Park.

The major development is to gain a capped amount of £30m from the Belfast Regional City Deal (BRCD) with the council to pay an agreed £14m, plus any increased costs that may occur.

A council SPR report in March 2024 stated that the “estimate for the project had increased from a total of £33.6m to £44m” when the business case was secured in September 2021.

The report added, that the Department for the Economy (DfE) had reviewed NMDDC estimates and advised its estimate for the project at “£50m…contrary to the advice from the council’s professional cost consultant”.

The council’s website shows its aim to submit a planning application by this time next year.