Ms Forsythe said,
“The potential loss of £30 million in City Deal funding for the Mournes gondola project is deeply concerning and would represent a major missed opportunity for South Down. This project was designed to support sustainable tourism and enhance accessibility to the Mournes.
If the National Trust decides to deny access for this initiative, it could place the entire project in jeopardy and result in vital government funding from London being lost.
That would be a significant setback for our local economy and for the long-term vision of developing the Mournes as a world-class destination accessible to all.
I urge all stakeholders to engage constructively to find a way forward that balances environmental protection and community benefit. We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.”