29 July 2025

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has expressed serious concern about the future of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.

He was speaking after Sport NI said it would carry out a strategic review of the centre.

The centre will remain closed while the review is completed.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“I am seriously concerned about the future of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre following the announcement of this strategic review. The news that redundancy consultation is beginning with some staff does not inspire confidence that Sport NI intend to reopen the centre and my thoughts are with those affected.

“I understand the damage caused by recent storms has complicated matters and necessitated a temporary closure and I’ve been pushing Sport NI for clarity on reopening for some time. While I acknowledge the significant running costs involved, Sport NI themselves have accepted that the centre was never designed to be profit-making, but rather a vital public resource used by a wide range of groups.

“Tollymore is the only facility of its kind on this island. Its closure would be a major loss to the Newcastle area, not just for the local economy, but for the many individuals and organisations who rely on it. It plays a unique role in supporting outdoor activity including kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking and delivers specialist training not available elsewhere.

“The SDLP will continue working with Sport NI and will make our position clear to the Communities Minister that this centre must remain open. At a time when so much of our community infrastructure is being stripped away, we must do everything we can to protect the resources we have left.”