Council is urged to up its game on transparency over gondola

Council is urged to up its game on transparency over gondola

16 April 2025

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been advised to provide “increased transparency” around  the multi-million pound Mournes Gateway Project.

Consultants overseeing the public engagement process as part of the scheme being financed by the local authority and the Belfast Region City Deal, have published a draft report on their findings.

Running to 23 pages, Arup’s report can be viewed on the Mourne Gateway Info Group’s Facebook Page.

Consultants say there is a need for increased transparency, particularly around the financial business case and that “clearer communication of project benefits and trade-offs will be pivotal in addressing public concerns”.

The proposed gondola ride from Donard Park to a new visitor centre at a former quarry at Thomas’s Mountain which is owned by the National Trust has drawn stern opposition from locals.

The gondola ride is the centrepiece of the Gateway project and designed to enhance tourism, support local economic growth and celebrate the unique natural heritage of the Mournes.

Consultants say their report “captures the outcomes” of the first phase of a public and stakeholder engagement event held last November and is a “crucial step in shaping the project based on community insights”.

They say while the project has sparked interest in the potential benefits of sustainable tourism,it has also encountered “significant public objections”.

The report’s executive summary says the feedback has been instrumental in identifying key themes, allowing the local council to “refine the proposal and address specific concerns”.

It continues: “One of the most pressing issues raised was the financial credibility of the project’s business case. 

“Many participants expressed scepticism about the projected visitor numbers, anticipated revenue, and the transparency of the economic assumptions underpinning the proposal. 

“Addressing this concern through greater financial clarity and more accessible information on the project’s feasibility and business case will be critical in building community support.”

Consultants say environmental concerns also featured prominently, with apprehensions about the project’s potential impact on biodiversity and the Mourne landscape. 

They claim participants appeared more receptive to the council’s approach of addressing these issues through the statutory planning process, including comprehensive environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.

“The consultation also revealed a perceived lack of transparency in decision-making, with many stakeholders questioning how the project had progressed to this stage,” the report continues.

“This has underscored the need for more open communication and engagement to rebuild trust and demonstrate how feedback is shaping the project’s development.”

The consultants say that despite these concerns, the engagement activities identified opportunities for improvement, such as integrating educational and heritage-focused features, exploring sustainable transport options, and refining trail enhancements to align with local values and priorities.

They say there must be a focus on refining the engagement strategy for phase two of the consultation process to “prioritise community and knowledge group consultations while ensuring targeted and constructive feedback”.

The executive summary adds: “Increased transparency, particularly around the financial business case, and clearer communication of project benefits and trade-offs, will be pivotal in addressing public concerns.”

Consultants say Newry, Mourne and Down Council “must continue to promote transparency and build trust,” with regular updates, clear communication and collaborative efforts across all project disciplines essential to ensuring public feedback shapes planning and implementation effectively.