Mourne Signature Project Progress

Mourne Signature Project Progress

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board continues to build relationships with Council Representatives and the Mourne Heritage Trust in developing and progressing the Mournes Signature Project regardless of National Park designation as the area has still to realise its full tourism potential.

The process of building the tourism infrastructure in the Mournes has already started. This has included:-

1. Down District Council completed Phase 1 of an extensive redevelopment of the promenade in Newcastle, and a £2 million Streetscape Scheme.

2. Hasting Hotel Group has upgraded and extended the Slieve Donard Hotel, including a luxury Spa Resort.

3. The Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative has in last 3 years seen approximately £2.5 million invested in a range of tourism projects involving the private, public and community/voluntary sectors.

4. The Mournes AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was awarded the Europarc Charter, the first destination to be awarded this in the UK and Ireland. Newry and Mourne Council also have opened a new gateway Tourist Information Centre at Bagenals Castle.

In partnership with local Councils and Loughs Agency NITB funded the development of a 10 year Tourism Action Plan for the Mournes. This has been completed and projects identified which have been pulled together under a Mournes Signature Project Action Plan 2008-10.

A capital allocation of £6 million through the Comprehensive Spending Review has been allocated to the Mournes. Four million of this will be administered through NITB’s Programme for Government (PfG) Tourism Development Scheme (TDS). Projects identified in the Mournes Signature Action Plan 2008-10 will form the basis for applications for TDS (PfG) monies in January 2009.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board continues to liaise and consult with Council Representatives and other stakeholders located within the Mournes in relation to discussing brand issues.