Council gives backing to upgrade of tourist facility

Council gives backing to upgrade of tourist facility

12 September 2012

PLANS have been unveiled for a £360,000 upgrade of an existing tourist facility in the Mournes.

Planning permission to extend Meelmore Lodge at Trassey Road has been secured and the Tourist Board has confirmed it will provide 50 per cent of the development costs, subject to the completion of an economic appraisal.

At Monday night’s meeting of Down Council, politicians agreed to back the proposal to extend the existing facility, subject to final agreement being reached with the developer, Mrs. June Patterson, wife of Newcastle councillor Dessie Patterson.

It was also confirmed that the local authority has made provision in its budget to make a £180,000 contribution to the proposed scheme, which would be managed by the council from the outset.

The upgraded tourist development features shower and toilet facilities, changing provision for outdoor users, a coffee shop, secure car parking for up to 150 vehicles, information point and play facilities.

Politicians were told the development proposal was received by the local authority after it asked for “expressions of interest” from people interested in providing enhanced visitor accommodation in the Mournes.

Councillor Patrick Clarke described existing visitor facilities as “somewhat inadequate” and suggested the new facility could create a number of new jobs, a point that was echoed by Councillor Carmel O’Boyle.

Councillor Eamonn O’Neill said the proposal was much-needed, while Councillor William Dick said it would encourage additional visitors into the Mournes.

Council chairman Mickey Coogan highlighted the need for the local authority to “tick every box” when dealing with the proposal, while local authority director, Michael Lipsett, confirmed that a business case on the proposed new tourist facility had yet to be completed.

Council chief executive, Mr. John Dumigan, said the proposed project would bring a direct benefit to a councillor and his family and urged politicians to be “absolutely sure they follow every single procedure.”

He said the local authority must be “whiter than white” in dealing with the issue.