‘Move swiftly’ on City Deal finance

‘Move swiftly’ on City Deal finance

13 August 2025

DUP politicians have proposed an alternative use for the £30m City Deal funding after two failed attempts to deliver gondola rides in Newcastle and Rostrevor.

The cash is being made available under the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) with ratepayers asked to cough up £14m for the so-called Mournes Gateway Project.

Following two embarrassing failures to deliver what were billed as “flagship tourism” projects, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is now looking to come up with a third project to ensure the £30m isn’t lost to the area.

Council officials say they are “exploring all options” with the commitment to come up with a new scheme coming just over two months after projects for the controversial cable car rides in the Mournes and Kilbroney Forest Park were unceremoniously shot down by the National Trust and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

This week, the local authority has been asked by local DUP politicians to focus attention on Strangford Lough with the spotlight on the internationally acclaimed waterway and the provision of an as yet unidentified “world class tourism attraction” in the Killyleagh area.

The DUP says the £30m – which was secured as a result of the party’s so-called confidence and supply arrangement with the Conservatives in 2021 – must not and cannot be lost to the area, warning it would be “unforgivable” if it was.

Describing the City Deal investment as “game changing for regional economies” across large swathes of Northern Ireland, the DUP says it must be retained and not returned to the Treasury in London.

The politicians, including Strangford MP Jim Shannon, say that in light of no viable option being identified to deliver a Mourne Gateway Project, it’s imperative alternative proposals are put forward and explored swiftly. 

The DUP said the BRCD panel is clear that any new project must be a world-class tourist attraction and argues Strangford Lough, with Killyleagh as its gateway, has the potential to offer that. 

The party has formally written to council chief executive, Marie Ward, requesting that the Strangford area is explored within the latest scoping exercise and plans to discuss its proposal with the senior management team.

Mr Shannon said it’s “wonderful” the local council has received funding to be dispersed to different projects within local communities and the overall council area. 

“These funds will go a long way to preserve and protect the area and it is great to see the plans for this funding,” he said.

“It’s absolutely imperative that all towns and villages across Newry, Mourne and Down can avail of this funding, from Killyleagh to Saintfield and Kilkeel. All areas no matter how densely populated or big or small, must be considered for improvements and allocated funding and I look forward to seeing the council’s plans.”

Strangford MLAs Harry Harvey and Michelle McIlveen have also weighed in with their support.

Mr Harvey is keen for the council to “move swiftly” to ensure that following the collapsed gondola projects, the City Deal finance is not lost to the area. 

“I support my colleagues’ proposal for Killyleagh. It’s a hidden gem with so much potential that could be properly realised with adequate investment through the likes of the UK Government’s growth deal agenda.”

Ms McIlveen said City Deals are vital to the economic and physical regeneration to a number of cities and towns across Northern Ireland.

“Our tourism offering has been identified as key to this growth,” she said.

“During my 18 years as MLA for Strangford, I have long championed for Strangford’s tourism potential to be realised. Killyleagh is a key gateway to Strangford Lough which, I trust, the local council will take every opportunity to explore.”

A council spokesman said the organisation remains committed to securing the £30m investment for the district and is actively exploring options with its BRCD, Tourism NI and Department for the Economy partners.

He said retaining the funding requires the agreement of all partners and any proposal must meet the BRCD objectives to enhance the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as a world-class visitor destination. 

“This requires investment in projects of sufficient scale and nature, which are capable of attracting visitors from outside NI to the region and encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more,” the spokesman continued.

“The investment must deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits around the region, so that communities in all parts of Northern Ireland benefit, all year round.”

The spokesman said an update on project costs to date will be provided in the near future and that to secure the retention of the £30m, the council is continuing to work through the detail with its partners and further updates will be provided in the coming weeks.”