Alliance in appeal for gondola rethink

Alliance in appeal for gondola rethink

23 April 2025

ALLIANCE politicians say it’s time for a “full reconsideration” of the gondola project’s viability.

South Down MLA Andy McMurray and Mournes councillor, Jill Truesdale insist this needs to happen in the wake of the National Trust’s decision to pause negotiations with Newry, Mourne and Down Council around the use of land at a disused quarry at Thomas’s mountain.

A visitor centre is proposed at the quarry as part of the controversial Mournes Gateway Project.

Mr McMurray said given the “significant economic and environmental issues” associated with the multi-million pound project, this action being taken by the National Trust is welcome to see.

“It comes off the back of deep concern and frustration expressed by a great number of local residents consistently over the course of the project’s development,” he said.

“No less than 6,500 of them have signed a petition we presented to former Economy Minister Conor Murphy late last year, in response to some problematic elements of the plans.”

Mr McMurray said he hopes the pause in discussions between the conservation charity and the local authority can be used as an opportunity by everyone involved for a full reconsideration of how viable the project actually is.

He also confirmed he will be asking Stormont’s economy minister for her assessment of the situation given the recent development.

Cllr Truesdale said having spoken at length before about the “glaring lack of transparency and seeming disregard for how best to utilise ratepayers’ money in the case of the gondola project”, the National Trust’s decision is “incredibly welcome”.

She continued: “Openness, transparency and ensuring value for money should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government. 

“From what we’ve observed so far in the progression of the gondola aspect of the Gateway Project it's clear this isn’t being met and this pause is a chance for a much-needed rethink.”

Cllr Truesdale said whether it’s the lack of public consultation, the disregard for other, more sustainable uses for the funding being put into it, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment, there are many valid reasons people are opposing different aspects of the gondola project.

She added: “We will continue speaking up for them at every point going forward.”