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."
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