TRC, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, were commissioned to produce a vision and development plan and generate imaginative proposals for the ‘Mourne Mountains Gateway Study’ in Northern Ireland on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The study area included Newcastle town and surrounding areas- Donard Park, Tollymore Forest and Murlough Nature Reserve and sought to significantly raise Newcastle’s draw as an international tourism destination through the potential development of a ‘must see’ attraction in the area.  Following on from the initial study we were asked to undertake an economic impact appraisal for the proposed project elements.