It comes following an announcement from Sport NI that they will be carrying out a Strategic Review of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, during which time the centre will remain closed and staff will be made redundant.
Mr McMurray has said: “This will come as incredibly disappointing news to many people in the local community, not least the current staff and all those who have been connected to the centre over the years, and my thoughts are with them at this time.
“Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is very near and dear to my own heart. As a former trainee there, and as someone who met my wife, had our wedding reception, and later introduced our children to outdoor sports at the centre, I share the hurt and frustration many will likely be feeling as a result of Sport NI’s decision at this point.
“The connection between access to the outdoors and positive physical and mental health is well proven, and residents of South Down, and Northern Ireland in general, deserve access to high-quality, properly invested-in facilities that make the most of the natural environment we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep. Yet, in recent years we have had to witness the closing of centre after centre, such as Killyleagh, Killowen and Ardnabannon. It’s shameful that children are now missing out on experiencing all the benefits of outdoor pursuits at a time when they’re needed more than ever.
“I am currently engaging with Sport NI about the need to guarantee the centre is made operational and reopened as soon as possible, and am calling on the Communities Minister himself to explore all possible collaborations to ensure that Tollymore can meet the outdoor training needs of not just Northern Ireland, but across the island of Ireland and further afield.”