‘No plans to close’ Tollymore centre

‘No plans to close’ Tollymore centre

2 July 2025

A STORMONT minister has said there are no plans to permanently close the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Bryansford.

But Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said discussions are continuing on whether the temporary closure currently in place should continue.

Ireland’s only dedicated outdoor mountain centre sustained significant destruction during Storm Eowyn in January with damage to trees, trails and a number of outdoor facilities which prompted its temporary closure.

A strategic review of the highly acclaimed facility is ongoing with appeals to the Sports Council – which is responsible for the centre – to leave no stone unturned in the search for a better operating model.

The facility offers a wide variety of courses including rock climbing, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.

In a letter to South Down MLA Diane Forsythe, Mr Lyons confirmed that responsibility for the outdoor centre lies with the Sports Council.

He reiterated that one of the worst storms in a generation which barrelled across the district in January caused major damage, resulting in a temporary closure of the centre due to health and safety grounds.

“Sport NI has been restoring the site for safe use by the public and has also been reviewing operations as the outdoor centre receives a significant financial subvention from it,” said Mr Lyons.

“Sport NI has advised my Department that challenges have emerged relating to how the outdoor centre has been operating, as well as its costs.”

Mr Lyons said SportNI’s Board is considering whether the current temporary closure should be continued.

His letter adds: “This may allow Sport NI to undertake a strategic review. There are no plans to close the Tollymore Outdoor National Centre on a permanent basis.”

Ms Forsythe has welcomed confirmation the facility will not close.

“This is an amazing centre enjoyed by many and I enjoyed a full tour of the facility when it was operational,” she said.

“I support the centre reopening and delivering the best facilities as soon as possible and will share further detail when I receive it. Thanks to the Communities Minister and Sport NI management for their engagement on this issue.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard warned recently that the centre’s permanent closure would be a “big blow” for the community in Newcastle and wider Mourne area. 

He said the strategic review must explore “every possibility” for its future and no stone must be left unturned in the search for what he described as a “more appropriate operating model”.

Mr Hazzard the search could include establishing partnerships across Ireland.

“Tollymore is the only national outdoor centre anywhere in Ireland and there’s a real opportunity to work with Newry, Mourne and Down Council, and the Irish Government, through the Shared Island Unit, to exhaust all opportunities to keep this key institution in the heart of the Mournes.”

Mr Hazzard said he also planned to raise the future of the centre with Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin and with the local council’s senior management team.