Mountain Bike (MTB) Mournes
This project involves the development of the Mournes as a short break mountain bike destination through the development of up to 40kms of x-country and downhill trails (plus associated facilities) within Castlewellan & Rostrevor Forest Parks. Forest Service will remain the 'Trail Owner' and each of the respective Councils will become the 'Trail Provider' with responsibility for ongoing management and maintenance of the trails once complete. A lease between Forest Service (DARD) and each Council will be put in place setting out the roles and responsibilities of each party.
| Proposed Start Date | July 2010 |
| Proposed Completion Date | March 2011 |
| Project Partners | Countryside Recreation NI, Newry & Mourne District Council, Down District Council, Forest Service NI, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Sport NI |
| Project Funders (Secured) | Newry & Mourne District Council - £150,000 Down District Council - £170,000 |
| Project Funders (Pending) | NITB - An application was submitted through the Signature Project Programme in 2009. Following on from this, a request was made for 75% of the project costs. It is hoped that a decision on this funding will be made in August 2010. SportNI is considering a contribution of up to £150,000 towards project costs - a decision is anticipated in Aug 2010. |
| Approximate Cost | £1.9 million |
| Other Information | Dafydd Davis, trail designer is on site throughout July and August flagging the trails on the ground - this is being funded by NITB. At the request of Forest Service, planning permission for the trails will now be applied for by Countryside Recreation NI. All funding secured through NITB and SportNI must be spent by end March 2011. If this project goes ahead, the trails will be ideal to host the mountain biking element of the World Police and Fire Games in 2012. |
