A PUBLIC consultation has been launched on plans to develop one of the Mourne Mountains' most popular areas for visitors.
Silent Valley Mountain Park is home to a reservoir that supplies drinking water to Belfast and parts of Co Down thanks to its famous dam, work on which began 100 years ago.
Plans are underway to develop the beauty spot into an "enhanced outdoor space that will provide residents and visitors with a safe and welcoming environment".
A Silent Valley Masterplan is due to be published in October following the consultation.
NI Water, which maintains the reservoir, is urging people to have their say in their plans to develop the area, "while also preserving the unique tranquillity the site offers".
"We want to hear what the local community and indeed the wider NI public would like to see at this site to make it a truly inclusive attraction for all," NI Water's Eoin Gilmore said.
“There are a variety of ways to engage with this process. A survey is available to complete online and a series of drop-in sessions with the opportunity to meet the project team have been arranged throughout May.”
Martin Carey of the Mourne Heritage Trust, added: "The input from local communities, organisations and individuals into this initial engagement process is vital in shaping the Masterplan to reflect the needs of current and future visitors to the Valley.
"We would encourage everyone to take the time to fill in the survey or call into one of the drop-in sessions and chat with the team.”
Consultation sessions will take place between May 22 - 30 in areas including Kilkeel and Annalong, while the survey can be accessed online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SilentValley.
