17/05/2007
Development Minister opens Valley visitors centre
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, today officially opened the new Visitors Centre at Silent Valley.
Features at the centre include an interactive educational area where visitors’ can learn facts about water conservation and the water cycle and a wildlife sound booth.
Speaking at the event, Mr Murphy said: “Up to 70,000 people visit Silent Valley each year as a regional attraction. As well as providing some of the most dramatic local scenery it’s also importantly the source of water to a fifth of the entire population in the North, mainly to Belfast and County Down areas.
“As long ago as 1681 the Water Commissioners recognised the need for a plentiful supply of clean water and started an ambitious programme of work in the Mournes.”
He continued: “I hope that visitors from home and abroad will continue to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the Silent Valley, appreciating the unique history surrounding the valley.”
Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water said: “The Park has been open to the public since 1984. Since then we have developed various visitors’ facilities such as the restaurant and children’s play area and today we open the new visitors’ educational centre.
“The exhibition comprises a variety of different mediums, including graphics, historical artefacts, audio visual displays and hands-on interactive material.”
Silent Valley is open daily from 10:00 to 18:30 (May to September) and 10:00 to 16:00 (October to April).
(JM/KMcA)
Features at the centre include an interactive educational area where visitors’ can learn facts about water conservation and the water cycle and a wildlife sound booth.
Speaking at the event, Mr Murphy said: “Up to 70,000 people visit Silent Valley each year as a regional attraction. As well as providing some of the most dramatic local scenery it’s also importantly the source of water to a fifth of the entire population in the North, mainly to Belfast and County Down areas.
“As long ago as 1681 the Water Commissioners recognised the need for a plentiful supply of clean water and started an ambitious programme of work in the Mournes.”
He continued: “I hope that visitors from home and abroad will continue to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the Silent Valley, appreciating the unique history surrounding the valley.”
Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water said: “The Park has been open to the public since 1984. Since then we have developed various visitors’ facilities such as the restaurant and children’s play area and today we open the new visitors’ educational centre.
“The exhibition comprises a variety of different mediums, including graphics, historical artefacts, audio visual displays and hands-on interactive material.”
Silent Valley is open daily from 10:00 to 18:30 (May to September) and 10:00 to 16:00 (October to April).
(JM/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start to the day but staying mainly dry with some bright spells developing. A few light showers are possible over northern counties later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:A largely dry evening with just the odd light shower around. Mainly dry with clear spells overnight but some showers will spread southwards later. Minimum temperature 5 °C.