National Trust has gondola ‘concerns’

National Trust has gondola ‘concerns’

20 November 2024

THE National Trust has reaffirmed that it does not endorse the controversial gondola ride which is at the heart of the £40m Mournes Gateway Project.

In a letter to the Mourne Gateway Info Group, the organisation’s Northern Ireland Director said it remains “deeply concerned” about the environmental impact of the project.

The letter from Heather McLachlan came within days of a public engagement event to provide an opportunity for people to discuss the project with consultants and articulate their views.

During the Newcastle event, opponents of the scheme doubled down on their opposition to the gondola ride and labelled it a “total financial liability”, warning ratepayers will be left to pick up the tab if the cost of the cable car ride into the mountains continues to escalate.

The Gateway project is one of the biggest ever tourism projects proposed for Northern Ireland which aims to redefine the visitor experience of the Mournes. But those opposed to it insist opposition is growing.

Ms McLachlan said the National Trust — which owns Slieve Donard — was aware that there continues to be a “positive narrative” communicated from within Newry, Mourne and Down Council about a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the organisations.

“As a landowner and provider of access in the Mournes, the National Trust is a key stakeholder of the Council in relation to the Mourne Gateway Project,” the letter continues.

“The MOU defines our route of communication with the Council to ensure that the National Trust is kept informed as to the development of the project and clarify roles and responsibilities of each party in doing that.

“The National Trust is not involved in the development or design of the project, no do we endorse the project.”

Ms McLachlan said the Trust’s position remained unchanged and it was “deeply concerned” about the environmental impact.

“The MOU is not a legally binding contract. It underlines our mutual interest in preserving, protecting and promoting appropriate access to the Mournes,” her letter continues.

“It does not commit either the National Trust or the Council to any specific course of action or any decisions. We have and 

will continue to highlight our position when opportunities arise.”

News of the National Trust letter comes after a petition in opposition to the gondola passed 5,000 signatures and will now be presented to the Assembly, while Newry, Mourne and Down Council is reminding people that there is still time for them to have their say on the project.

The Mournes Gateway Info Group — which launched the petition — is appealing to the local authority to “heed the voices of the community” and prioritise environmental sustainability and abandon the gondola project in favour of more responsible available alternatives. 

The group wants to preserve the natural beauty of the Mournes for future generations to enjoy and protect the area’s natural heritage.

Campaigners have called for an immediate halt to the “ill-conceived venture” which they warn threatens to irreversibly damage the cherished natural landscape, endanger wildlife habitats and impose financial burdens on ratepayers. 

They want the council to reconsider and explore more sustainable alternatives that prioritise environmental preservation and community needs.

Campaigners also remain concerned about the lack of public consultation over the multi-million pound project, despite overwhelming local opposition and have accused the local authority of dismissing “viable, cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives” in favour of the gondola, arguing this demonstrates a “concerning lack of consideration for community preferences and environmental impact”.

Campaigners say the secrecy surrounding the gondola’s business plan, coupled with unrealistic user projections and escalating costs, “poses an unjustifiable financial risk to ratepayers” and is a threat to the environment, would endanger wildlife habitats and protected species.

There is also concern about the gondola’s negative economic impact with campaigners arguing that contrary to promises of local economic benefits, the project is likely to divert money from local businesses.

And campaigners say given weather and seasonal factors, the gondola will not run for the projected 11 months of the year due to high winds and bad weather.

Anyone who wishes to make comment on the gondola plan can do so via an online survey at https://www.newrymournedown.org/mournes-gateway