Tobar Mhuire visitors must abide by Covid-19 guidelines

Tobar Mhuire visitors must abide by Covid-19 guidelines

27 May 2020

VISITORS to the grounds of Crossgar’s Tobar Mhuire retreat have been warned that if they do not adhere to public health advice in the wake of the coronavirus, the facility will be closed to the public.

The warning has been issued on the centre’s social media page after reports that the facility set in 60 acres of beautiful woodland was recently inundated with people walking around the main house.

While a private facility, visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the grounds at the centre located off the Downpatrick Road, exploring some unique heritage, including Mary’s Well, a Victorian walled garden and a spectacular view of the Mournes.

Taking to social media, the Passionist Community said that it was issuing an “urgent call for assistance”, explaining that Tobar Mhuire is its home and also private property which the public can access.

“We have tried our best to make our facilities safe and open to the community,” the post continues.

“After opening our grounds again for the community to make use of the beautiful trails, we have been inundated with people walking around the front of the house, stopping to have conversations and children playing on the lawns and car park areas.”

The Passionist Community explains that while this would not normally have been a problem for the organisation “these are different times and members of our community are elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating”.

The social media post makes it clear that there is no need for the public to be anywhere near the main house or reception, asking people to help them enforce this rule.

The post adds: “We ask for your understanding and support in this matter. But, if all else fails, you will understand that for the safety of our community members that we will be left with no option other than to close the grounds completely. Please spread this message to users of our grounds.”

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said he hoped people would respect the wishes of the Passionist Community and listen to the appeal which has been issued.

He said Tobar Mhuire’s trails were extremely popular with local people and the retreat facility was well used by walkers, especially at this time of the year.

Cllr Andrews said while people are allowed to exercise daily, they can continue to walk in Tobar Mhuire if they obey the advice that they have been given and stay away from a number of designated areas.

“The advice in relation to social distancing remains in place and people need to adhere to public health advice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus which has had a devastating impact across the globe,” he continued.

“The advice is to stay away from certain areas and this should be relatively straight forward given the size of the complex. The Passionist Community provides free access to the trails for the benefit of the local community and this is greatly appreciated by the people of Crossgar in particular.”

Cllr Andrews described Tobar Mhuire as a “haven of peace and tranquillity” and appealed to people to stay away from the areas highlighted.

He continued: “No one would want to see public access to the grounds prohibited and the Passionist Community has made this clear.

“It is important that visitors recognise that Tobar Mhuire is home to elderly and vulnerable people, some of whom are self-isolating, and must not do anything that would potentially put their safety at risk. People can continue to use these beautiful grounds, but they must recognise the needs of the people who reside there.”

Cllr Andrews said people in Crossgar were delighted that members of the Passionist Community lived among them and hoped that by everyone following public health advice, it would not be long before some “semblance of normality is restored for everyone”.