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. The reservoir now supplies 120 million gallons of water a day.
“Today we face new challenges of how we will fund our water and sewerage services to provide the infrastructure necessary for the twenty- first century. I welcome the Executive’s decision to conduct a review which will seek to find sustainable and acceptable funding arrangements for water and sewerage services in the future.
“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).
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. For further information on Silent Valley visit www.niwater.com
2. All media enquiries to DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004.
