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. The trails have been designed by Dafydd Davis MBE, with input on the Downhill trails from Glyn O'Brien.

Proposed Start Date	Construction - April 2012
Proposed Completion Date	Spring/ Summer 2013
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 - £153,000 Down District Council - £170,000 Sport NI - £150,000 NITB - £1,414,691
Approximate Cost	£1.894 million
Other Information	The Invitation to Tender was issued in July 2011, unfortunately a suitable contractor was not selected. Revised tender documentation will be issued in January 2012 with a view to having a contractor in place by end March/ April 2012. Construction is estimated to take 15 months. Therefore it is planned that the trails will be complete for Spring/ Summer 2013.