Politicians react to Trust’s decision to refuse land lease

Politicians react to Trust’s decision to refuse land lease

7 May 2025

THERE has been a mixed reaction from politicians to the National Trust’s decision not to allow its land to be used to develop the £44m Mourne Gateway Project.

Mournes DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said he believed the £30m funding contribution promised from the Belfast Region City Deal will be lost, while Alliance’s Andy McMurray and Jill Truesdale said the Trust’s announcement was “incredibly welcome”.

The SDLP’s Laura Devlin said her party was disappointed with the Trust’s decision.

Cllr Hanna said the decision not to provide a lease for the land needed for the controversial flagship tourism project signalled its “deathknell” and he called on the council to take legal action to recover the £1m it has spent on the controversial project to date.

He said the National Trust decision had resulted in the loss of a “once in a generation opportunity” for the Newry, Mourne and Down area.

“The £30m was to be used for a project of regional significance. The Mournes Gateway Project would have made a massive economic impact on tourism in South Down, attracting tourists from far and wide,” said Cllr Hanna.

“The council’s DUP group was waiting for all information on the gondola project, including all the studies on the environmental impact, before it made a decision.”

Cllr Hanna said he was “disgusted” at those claiming “victory” in the wake of the National Trust’s decision which marks the end of the gondola project. 

“For anyone claiming a victory over the loss of £30m to the district is a disgrace, especially any political party,” he declared.

“There has been wrong information circulating that City Deal money can be used for nearly any purpose. This is untrue. The money can only be used for a regional significant project like the gondola.”

And in a swipe at opponents of the multi-million pound scheme, Cllr Hanna claimed people have been “misled by environmental activists” whom, he believes, influenced the National Trust.

“The Trust says there is a lot of strong opinion against the gondola and while there are objectors, a lot of people do support the project.”

Cllr Hanna said an argument in relation to the project’s economic benefits “has never been brought to Newcastle and South Down” and said he cannot understand why the National Trust waited so long before making a decision not to provide a lease after the local authority had spent over £1m on the scheme.

Mr McMurray said given the “hugely significant environmental issues” associated with the project, especially in light of the damage caused by recent wildfires, as well the serious concerns around economic viability, the National Trust  decision was “incredibly welcome”.

He continued: “This aspect of the gondola project is one that’s been deeply controversial within the community and is extremely unpopular with many local residents who have expressed deep worry and frustration over the course of its development.

“Alliance is proud to have been at the forefront of the fight, alongside dedicated local activists, to make sure their voices were heard from council to the Assembly and we’re glad their concerns have been fully taken on board.”

Cllr Truesdale said the National Trust decision was welcome.

“Openness, transparency and ensuring value for money should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government,” she said.

“From what we’ve observed so far in the progression of the gondola aspect of the Gateway Project this isn’t being met and this reconsideration has been a long time coming.

“Whether it’s the lack of public consultation, the disregard for other more sustainable uses for the funding, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment, there are many valid reasons people here oppose different aspects of the gondola project.”

Cllr Devlin said the SDLP was disappointed the Gateway Project’s investigation stage will not progress.

She added: “The SDLP, like others around the table, were awaiting the completion of the full environmental impact assessment before making a decision on the viability of the project.

“Given that there has been a significant amount of public spend to develop these assessments, it is disappointing that the project has been halted before they have been concluded and their findings made known.”