Mountaineering organisations have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to support reopening Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. The facility in Tollymore Forest Park closed last year. Sport NI cited high maintenance costs and storm damage as reasons for the shutdown.

The centre opened in 2010 as the sole national training hub of its type on the island of Ireland. National boards issued a joint statement last month pressing for government funding. Signatories included Liam Feeley of Mountaineering Ireland, Stuart Tounie of Mountaineering Scotland, John Cousins of Mountain Training UK and Ireland, and Paul Ratcliffe of the British Mountaineering Council.

The groups described such centres as vital for mountain safety training. They function as top-tier facilities in a system that protects participants in outdoor activities. The CEOs stated that governments must provide backing rather than rely on private or voluntary groups alone.

Dawson Stelfox, former chairman of Mountaineering Ireland, stressed the need for qualified instructors and a residential training setup. He noted that experienced staff lost jobs last year. Local groups have travelled to centres in Scotland and Wales for qualifications since the closure.

Sport NI initiated a review in December 2025 with Fathom Consultancy Solutions. The process seeks a sustainable model balancing specialist training and broader community use. Stakeholders including governing bodies have provided input.

Sport NI has funded interim training costs through Outscape to cover extra expenses for skills programmes. Review options will go to Sport NI by March 2026. A public consultation will follow for input from communities, stakeholders, and users.