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5,000 signatures reached
To: The Minister of the Economy, Stormont & Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC)
Stop the Mourne Mountains Gondola Project
Protect our natural heritage!
Why is this important?
We, the undersigned, demand an immediate halt to the proposed Mourne Mountains Gondola project. This ill-conceived venture threatens to irreversibly damage our cherished natural landscape, endanger wildlife habitats, and impose financial burdens on rates payers. We implore the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council (NMDDC) to reconsider and explore more sustainable alternatives that prioritize environmental preservation and community needs.
Reasons for halting the Gondola Project:
Reasons for halting the Gondola Project:
- Lack of public consultation. Despite overwhelming local opposition (as evidenced by our recent poll indicating 77% dissent), the council has proceeded without adequate consultation.
- Disregard for Alternatives. The council has dismissed viable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives in favour of the gondola, demonstrating a concerning lack of consideration for community preferences and environmental impact.
- Financial risk. The project's secrecy regarding its business plan, coupled with unrealistic user projections and escalating costs, poses an unjustifiable financial risk to ratepayers.
- Environmental Threats. Its operation threatens sensitive habitats including a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. It would endanger wildlife habitats and protected species.
- Adverse Aesthetic Impact. Pylons, the cableway and quarry centre will mar the pristine beauty of the Mourne Mountains, detracting from the experience of visitors and local people in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Negative Economic Impact. Contrary to promises of local economic benefits, the gondola project is likely to divert money from local businesses.
- The National Trust, which is the owner of the quarry and the mountain is a conservation organisation and is very unlikely to approve its construction.
- Weather and seasonal factors. The gondola is projected to operate eleven months a year but factors like high winds and bad weather are likely to drastically reduce the days it can work and generate income.
We urge the NMDDC to heed the voices of the community, prioritize environmental sustainability, and abandon the Mourne Mountains Gondola project in favour of more responsible available alternatives. Let us preserve the natural beauty of the Mourne mountains for future generations to enjoy.