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)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
12 August 2022
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.