The public are being asked to have their say on developing the Silent Valley Mountain Park.
The beautiful spot in the Mournes contains a reservoir, at which the first sod was cut 100 years ago in October.
The Masterplan arising from the consultation process is due to be published to coincide with the anniversary.
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Eoin Gilmore is the Senior Capital Project Manager at NI Water, which manages the site's reservoir.
"Silent Valley is a stunning site open for visitors to explore and enjoy, while also operating as a key strategic reservoir providing drinking water for a large part of County Down and the Greater Belfast Area," he said.
"NI Water is keen to enhance the existing visitor experience, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the Valley, while also preserving the unique tranquillity the site offers.
"We want to hear what the local community and indeed the wider NI public would like to see at this site to make it a truly inclusive attraction for all.
"There are a variety of ways to engage with this process. A survey is available to complete online and a series of drop-in sessions with the opportunity to meet the project team have been arranged throughout May 2023."
Martin Carey, from the Mourne Heritage Trust, said the goal was to create a space that everyone felt they had a say in.
"The aim is to create an enhanced outdoor space that will provide residents and visitors with a safe and welcoming environment to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
"The input from local communities, organisations and individuals into this initial engagement process is vital in shaping the Masterplan to reflect the needs of current and future visitors to the Valley.
"We would encourage everyone to take the time to fill in the survey or call into one of the drop-in sessions and chat with the team."
Public consultation meetings have been scheduled on the following dates:
- Monday May 22 – Bracken Centre, Kilkeel (3pm – 8pm)
- Tuesday May 23 – Annalong Community Centre (3pm – 8pm)
- Wednesday May 24 – Mourne Lodge, Attical (3pm – 8pm)
- Thursday May 25 – Moneydarragh Hub, Annalong (3pm – 8pm)
- Tuesday May 30 – Kilkeel Development Association, Kilkeel (4pm – 8pm)
A further online survey has been created for people who cannot attend the meetings with the link found here.
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