Mournes gondola: New engagement events planned for £44m project

The opposition petition was presented to the Assembly on Monday by South Down representative Andy McMurray of the Alliance Party.

In doing so, he asked the Minister for Economy to rethink the project, citing “a lack of public consultation, the disregard of other more sustainable uses for funding, the financial risk involved, and lack of economic viability or the threat to the local environment”.

BBC News NI contacted local Sinn Féin, Social Democratic and Labour Party and Democratic Unionist Party representatives for their views on the project, but no-one was available for interview.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said it was “gathering views to inform the concept design which the Integrated Consultancy Team is currently developing”.

“We will be carefully considering the unique setting of the Mournes and conducting an extensive environmental impact assessment and habitats regulations assessment as part of the planning process,” the spokesperson added.

“As the surveys continue and the design and visitor management plan develops, further events will be held to present the emerging details and seek further feedback.

“The full business case, once completed, will also help us understand more detail on the economic impact of this project.”

The public engagement events are expected to take place early in the New Year and continue through spring and summer 2025.

Those behind the project hope it will be operational by 2029.