By Iveren McCallion
The closure of one of three outdoor pursuits facilities here will definitely go ahead, the Education Authority's (EA) confirmed.
Ardnabannon will be closed after 12 weeks public consultation, a period of indecision, and despite public protests.
Killowen in Kilkeel and Killyleagh's Delamont which were also targeted for closure, will be re-purposed.
The decision's prompted outrage with a union representative calling it 'unbelievable' given the amount of public support to keep it open.
NIPSA's southern region representative Helena McSherry told Q Radio it's a bad outcome for both staff and service users:
South Down MLA Colin McGrath says the EA has 'no authority' to close the Castlewellan facility.
Speaking to Q Radio, he said they've made the wrong decision, and without a minister in place to sanction it, it should be reversed:
In a statement yesterday (Tuesday), Director of Children and Young People's services, Dr C Mangan said, "The ultimate goal is to improve the educational outcomes for all children and young people engaged with and through the youth service. I believe that this model of Outdoor Learning will contribute to positive long-term outcomes for children and young people throughout Northern Ireland."
Woman rescued from house in Saintfield following petrol bomb attack
More than 100 firefighters tackle Omagh industrial fire as casualty airlifted
MLAs hit out at ‘Executive chaos’ after U-turn on special school summer schemes
Delivery driver forced at gunpoint to take object to police station
Elderly woman dies after road collision in Armagh