A LOCAL politician has suggested leasing Castlewellan Forest Park’s iconic arboretum to the private sector.
South Down Assemblyman Willie Clarke is to table the suggestion during a forthcoming meeting with Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill.
The move comes after he met with a group of people who are interested in taking over the running of the arboretum following a recent presentation to the Mourne Heritage Trust by top gardener Simon Moore.
Mr. Clarke said he visited the arboretum last week with several local councillors to investigate the state it was in and what work would need to be carried out to get it up to standard.
“It is clear that Forestry Service does not have the resources necessary to do this work so it’s my intention to meet with the Minister to lobby for support from within her department for the arboretum to be leased and upgraded.
“The restoration of the glass houses presents many opportunities for the area in terms of job creation and leisure and recreational services. I am committed to fulfilling its potential,” Mr. Clarke added.
Councillor Stephen Burns said as the national arboretum of Ireland, interest in the Castlewellan facility’s regeneration stretches across the country, suggesting its regeneration would provide a major tourism boost for the town and the Mourne area.