Councillors in appeal for joint forest park pricing

Councillors in appeal for joint forest park pricing

23 February 2022

THE Forest Service has been asked to maintain its current policy of charging for one annual pass allowing visitors access to Castlewellan and Tollymore forest parks.

Amidst suggestions that two separate pricing models could be introduced, South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Slieve Croob councillor Hugh Gallagher have appealed for the status quo to remain. They have also asked that the one pass would also include Newry, Mourne and Down Council parks.

Mr McGrath said he is delighted to see the progress being made at Castlewellan forest park where the local authority and the park’s management board have secured several million pounds of funding to significantly improve the beautiful Demesne for generations to come.

“At present, visitors can purchase an annual vehicle pass access to all local forest parks and I know this is very popular in our area, especially as local people are aware of parking issues in the Bryansford and Castlewellan areas,” he said.

Mr McGrath described the current £50 charge for an annual pass as a good investment for families, but he is concerned that this will change.

“We now have the situation whereby there will potentially be two separate charging models for Castlewellan and Tollymore forest parks which, I fear, could mean that a family may opt for just one annual pass, adding to the parking problems outside the gates of the other park,” he continued.

“I have written to the Forest Service chief executive asking if some local arrangement could be made which would allow for access to both Tollymore and Castlewellan under the one pricing point.”

Cllr Gallagher said while work is ongoing to create an “outstanding visitor attraction” in Castlewellan, he warned that his cannot be at the expense of the town.

“It’s vital that we do all we can to ensure that the investment in the forest park complements and supports Castlewellan,” he continued.

“For that reason, I want to see some additional form of joined-up working between the local council and Forest Service to ensure as best as possible that we are not adding to the already stretched parking provision within the town centre.”

Cllr Gallagher believes that a charging model on an annual basis would ensure that as many locals who drive to the park would park inside and not clog up spaces in Castlewellan, freeing  them for shoppers.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Council is very willing to work with Forest Service in this regard and I hope that Forest Service is too,” he added.