Sport NI announces review amid sustainability issues

Sport NI announces review amid sustainability issues

6 August 2025

SPORT NI has been challenged to publish the full detail surrounding its controversial decision to ensure the Tollymore Outdoor National Centre in Bryansford remains closed while a strategic review of its operation takes place.

The organisation said the review — which could take up to a year to complete —will look at a wide range of options aimed at “reimagining the role and function of the facility in a financially sustainable way”.

Forest trails, trees and outdoor facilities were seriously damaged by Storm Eowyn earlier this year with Sport NI suggesting while “significant expenditure” would be required to safely re-open the facility, it has become “increasingly unsustainable financially in recent years”..

Sport NI says the review will also examine its overall role in the outdoors sector, exploring all options for the future operating model of the centre which will result in up to six redundancies.

The organisation said a heath and safety audit carried out as part of the initial part of the review has concluded the Tollymore centre cannot reopen without major investment.

NIPSA has called for the financial and strategic rationale underpinning the closure decision to be made public in tandem with independent scrutiny of Sport NI’s governance arrangements. 

The trade union is also demanding the immediate suspension of redundancy consultations pending a full and transparent review of alternative options. 

NIPSA is also urging Sport NI to commit to “meaningful engagement” with staff and unions throughout the review process about the future of a facility it describes as a “national asset with unique facilities and a proud legacy”.

The trade union said the Tollymore Centre’s future should not be “determined by short-term financial metrics or leadership failures” and it remains committed to defending the interests of its members and the integrity of Northern Ireland’s outdoor sector.

Located on the outskirts of Tollymore Forest Park, the centre provides a range of courses in rock-climbing, hillwalking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering.

News of the year-long closure to facilitate the strategic view was confirmed last week with the move sparking a huge reaction from politicians and people who use the facility located at the foothills of the Mournes.

Politicians have expressed anger, frustration and concern at the move, while people who used the Bryansford Centre hope it can reopen.

Sport NI interim chief executive Richard Archibald said the running costs of the outdoor centre have steadily increased and its income has reduced. 

“In the last financial year, it cost over £1.3m to run, versus an income of around £250,000,” he revealed.

“While the Centre was never intended to be profit-making, we have a duty to ensure value for money for the public purse and for the whole sports sector. The current operating model for the National Outdoor Centre is no longer financially sustainable.”

Mr Archibald said the enforced pause in bookings resulting from the extensive storm damage provided a window for a detailed strategic review of the centre.

He explained the initial part of the exercise – a health and safety audit – has concluded that the centre could not reopen without major investment. 

“We cannot justify such investment when the facility is significantly under-utilised,” said Mr Archibald, explaining the review will now thoroughly scrutinise the operating model, costs and potential return on investment from the centre.

“Through broad consultation, it will also examine the needs of the wider outdoor sector here,” he continued.

“We want to ensure that our national facility meets the needs of its users, that it is operating in a way that 

unlocks greater return on the investment from the public purse, and that it will be fit for purpose long into the future.”

Mr Archibald said that with the extended closure of up to a year and having explored other options “very regrettably we have now commenced redundancy consultations with some of the centre’s permanent staff”.

He insisted Sport NI remains fully committed to the outdoors sector. 

Mr Archibald continued: “The Tollymore Centre has facilities which are unique on the island of Ireland and it is an important part of Northern Ireland’s outdoor activity offering. 

“Its staff have played a significant role in the sector today: it has been a vital training ground for instructors, coaches and teachers and it provides inspirational outdoor experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds every year.”

Mr Archibald added: “This strategic review will look at a wide range of options aimed at reimagining the role and function of Tollymore in a financially sustainable way, and ensuring it continues to develop our outdoors sector in an impactful and effective way.”