Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the opening of enhanced tourist facilities at Silent Valley Mountain Park outside Newcastle.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster attended the opening of the tourist redevelopment scheme at the Silent Valley Reservoir situated in the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Wednesday 14th March. Silent Valley reservoir is now recognised as one of Northern Ireland's popular visitor attractions.

Cllr Clarke stated: "I welcome the recent redevelopment scheme completed at Silent Valley Mountain Park outside Newcastle of the new enhanced tourist facilities which were officially opened on Wednesday 14th March.

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"Silent Valley nestles in an area of truly outstanding natural beauty and the reservoir is an all year round tourist attraction due to its location within the Mournes and panoramic views.

"The new tourist facilities, which now have improved walks; an interactive display in the visitor centre; upgraded car parking and amenities; as well as new signage and public art will help further stimulate increased tourism and enhance the local rural economy.

"Funding by NITB Tourism Development Scheme to the figure off £230,971.50 and £230,971.50 by the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR), through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's, Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme represents a significant financial investment in tourism along the Mourne Coastal Route.

"The Mourne Coastal Route with the newly upgraded facilities at Silent Valley Mountain Park will help further develop and build on promoting tourism at Silent Valley Mountain Park and the Mournes which is an area of outstanding natural beauty."

(CD/GK)