Alliance Welcomes National Trust Decision To "Reconsider" Mournes Gondola Project

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale have welcomed the National Trust's announcement that they will not be pursuing a bid for the use of land at Thomas's Quarry for the controversial Mournes Gondola project.

Mr McMurray expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, "Given the hugely significant environmental issues associated with the project, especially in light of the damage done by recent fires, as well the serious concerns around economic viability, this move from the National Trust is incredibly welcome."

He further acknowledged the local opposition to the project. "This aspect of the Mournes Gondola Project is one that's been deeply controversial within the community, and is extremely unpopular with many local residents who have expressed deep worry and frustration over the course of it's development."

Mr McMurray credited the collaborative effort in raising concerns. "We're proud to have been at the forefront of the fight, alongside dedicated local activists, to make sure their voices were heard from council to the Assembly, and we're glad their concerns have been fully taken on board."

Councillor Truesdale echoed these sentiments, highlighting issues of transparency and value for money. "Having spoken at length before about the glaring lack of transparency and seeming disregard for how best to use ratepayers' money in the case of the Gondola project, this is very welcome to see."

She elaborated on the perceived shortcomings of the project. "Openness, transparency, and ensuring value for money should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government. From what we've observed so far in the progression of the Gondola aspect of the Gateway Project it's clear this isn't being met, and this reconsideration has been a long time coming."

Councillor Truesdale outlined the various concerns raised by the community. "Whether it's the lack of public consultation, the disregard for other, more sustainable, uses for the funding being put into it, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment, there are many valid reasons people here oppose different aspects of the Gondola project."

She concluded by commending the efforts of local campaigners. "We're glad our concerns, including those set out in our forthcoming motion to council next week, have been fully recognised in the National Trust's decision today, and we commend all the local campaigners who've worked tirelessly to get here."

UUP calls for greater awareness of Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has called for increased efforts to raise awareness in Great Britain about the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.

The scheme provides financial support to individuals who are permanently disabled due to injuries sustained during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Mr Beattie highlighted the scheme's broad scope, stating, "Although focused on the terrorist campaign in Northern Ireland, the scheme is open to all those affected by the Troubles throughout the United Kingdom and further afield. That would include those seriously and permanently disabled due to the Provisional IRA's indiscriminate bombing campaign in England and those members of the armed forces who served in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. This permanent disablement includes psychological injury."

However, he expressed concern that the scheme has not been adequately publicised to potential applicants in England, Scotland, and Wales. "I am concerned that the scheme has not been fully advertised to those who may be entitled to apply to the scheme in Great Britain. A recent question to the Executive Office shows that in the last 12 months, there have been 3,934 applications from Northern Ireland and just 178 applications from England, Scotland, and Wales."

While acknowledging that the Victims Payment Board has conducted an awareness campaign in Great Britain, Mr Beattie believes the application figures indicate its limited effectiveness. "The Victims Payment Board has conducted an awareness campaign in England, Scotland and Wales, but these figures seem to show that it has not been as effective as they may have hoped."

With the scheme's closure date set for August 2026, Mr Beattie stressed the urgency of improving outreach. "It is important that all those who are entitled to apply for this scheme have all the information required, but at a more basic level, they know the scheme exists. Therefore, I call on the Executive Office to double their efforts to ensure we reach as many people, entitled to apply for the scheme, as possible, particularly outside of Northern Ireland."

Durkan Calls For End To Sectarian Attacks

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has called for an immediate end to sectarian attacks in Derry/Londonderry, following a further assault on a man in the Waterside area and a paint attack on Walker's Plinth on the city walls.

Police are treating both incidents as sectarian hate crimes.

Mr Durkan expressed his deep concern: "There needs to be an urgent de-escalation of tensions in our city following a number of attacks in recent days. We have seen our young people set upon by gangs and vandalism that has caused real hurt in local communities. This is not what our city is about and it must end before a life is lost due to this violence."

He highlighted the damage these attacks are doing to community relations. "So much work has gone into maintaining community relations in Derry and it’s really disheartening to see the events that have unfolded over the past few days. We cannot allow decades of genuine cross-community efforts to be eroded in a matter of days due to the actions of a very small number of people."

Mr Durkan emphasised the collaborative efforts to address the situation. "We have been liaising with police, community workers and other elected reps and everyone wants to see the same outcome – an end to attacks of any kind. Young people are afraid to walk in certain parts of our city and others don’t even feel safe in their own homes. This must stop now, nobody wants to see anyone else hurt or young people having their lives ruined due to this futile behaviour." 

He urged those with information to come forward and appealed for community leadership. "I would urge anyone with information to come forward to police and for everyone to show the leadership needed to bring these attacks to an end."