Northern Ireland

Silent Valley Mountain Park consultation plans to be shared

Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains.
Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains. Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains.

Findings from a consultation on plans to develop the Silent Valley area in the Mourne Mountains are to be shared with the public.

NI Water, which maintains the 100-year-old reservoir in the popular visitor spot, launched a public consultation earlier this year on the future of the area as an "enhanced outdoor space".

The Silent Valley Mountain Park Masterplan consultation will now be shared publically in order to receive feedback which will "form the basis for future development and funding opportunities".

“Silent Valley is a stunning site open for visitors to explore and enjoy, while also operating as a key strategic reservoir providing drinking water for a large part of County Down and the Greater Belfast Area," NI Water senior capital project manager Eoin Gilmore said.

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"It was important to hear what the local community and wider NI public wanted to see at the site to make it a truly inclusive attraction for all.

"We were delighted at the range and depth of engagement the community engagement project generated.

"Over 1,400 online surveys were completed, and the drop-in sessions held in May provided excellent face-to-face engagement between the public and the project team."

Public drop-in sessions on the consultation findings will take place on November 1 at Annalong Community Centre from 3pm to 5pm, and at The Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel from 6pm to 8pm.

An online survey on the consultation findings can be completed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/86SSYN6.