NEWCASTLE councillors have given a mixed reaction to plans for a gondola system into the Mourne Mountains.
They gave a muted welcome to the plans, which were confirmed by the Department for Social Development last week as part of wider plans to regenerate Newcastle, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel.
Councillor Dessie Patterson said he believed the scheme would be a positive project for the tourist industry and would be something for people to “look forward to.”
However, he said he was doubtful the scheme would ever go ahead due to an anticipated “environmental lobby.”
“I am not completely doubtful, but I wonder if the environmental lobby may stop it from happening,” he said. “I think it would be good for the tourist industry, it has potential if people have the vision.”
Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said most people she had spoken to had reacted positively to the suggestion of a cable car ride.
She said most people realised Newcastle needs an iconic feature that would enhance the environment and attract more visitors to the town.
However, she said it was important to be realistic about the weather at the Mourne Mountains and said clear days, suitable for the cable car, would be limited.
“I support the idea of some sort of uplift into the lovely mountains we have, but this could be in the form of a land train, just as well as a cable car,” she said.
“For too many people our beautiful mountains will otherwise always be inaccessible. It is not just the disabled, but the elderly and less fit among us who would enjoy a view over Newcastle from high in the mountains.
Mrs. O’Boyle said it was also important to consider what people will do once they reach the top of Drinahilly and whether the tour should go further into Tollymore.
“These sorts of cable cars are commonplace around the world and are to be seen in all of the world’s top beauty spots,” she said.
“We need to consider how we can create an unusual but sustainable feature that will bring the people to Newcastle, in greater numbers”
Councillor Willie Clarke was less receptive than the other councillors and said he did not believe a cable car would be viable due to the poor visibility from the mountains on most days and the already limited tourist season.
He said he believed an “all year round attraction” would be more appropriate.
“There is already a road into the mountains in this area but I think a wheel-based train would be more feasible. If you invest in the roads it would open up the area and the forest at the foot of the mountains to more people.
“I would be more keen to see cultural events, food tourism and sustainable projects .
Councillor Patrick Clarke said he would prefer not to comment on the scheme until the end of the consultation.