Campaign group concerned over 'attempts to erase the history of Benbradagh'
A local campaign group has expressed fears that ‘attempts are being made to erase the history of Benbradagh Mountain in Dungiven.
The concerns were raised by Save Benbradagh group after they claimed a person who was recently walking on the mountain was asked to leave.
They have also alleged that a content creator was asked to remove footage of the mountain which he had uploaded to YouTube.
Last month, members of the public were advised that they would no longer be allowed to access walkways on the mountain which are widely advertised by government agencies including Causeway Coast and Glens Council.
‘No Trespassing’ signs were erected by the four landowners who said the decision followed incidents where members of the public were being charged to take part in walking tours on the mountain.
They said this raised ‘serious concerns about livestock welfare, public safety, insurance and liability’.
A spokesperson for Save Benradagh said: “Since the end of July this year, there has been a concerted campaign to alter the physical landscape on Benbradagh mountain and to erase its history as a public amenity. Publicly funded wayfaring signage and stile have been removed from the mountain. Causeway Coast & Glens Council has yet to give an update in respect of its investigation in relation to these matters.
“A representation made by a local Sinn Féin Councillor on the 7th August in this publication stated on behalf of landowners that Benbradagh is private property and that the public has no legal right to access the mountain. This is not, and has never been the case and local political representatives are well aware of the position.
“Subsequent to this statement being made, Sinn Féin Councillors voted to approve Brishey wind farm on Benbradagh mountain. There were 4,024 objections to this highly controversial development which encroaches onto the summit.
“It has now been brought to our attention that a member of the public was accosted and intimidated while exercising long established rights to walk the mountain. Furthermore, a content creator has been contacted and asked to remove YouTube footage of his walk on Benbradagh mountain from 2022. There is no legal premise for this request and content owners should not remove any photos or footage of Benbradagh on this basis.
“The public right of way investigation is ongoing and all of this information is important. The history of usage of Benbradagh mountain and the knowledge and experience of the local community over many generations can never be erased.
“We will continue to assert our rights of way over Benbradagh mountain and we call on political representatives and the Council to fulfil their duties and protect public access to Benbradagh.
“Benbradagh is a vital public amenity for our rural community. It is also a principal asset of the Sperrins AONB and a regional tourist asset.
“The very real threat to Benbradagh has been raised as an urgent matter this week with all relevant government Ministers.”
The County Derry Post made an attempt to contact the landowners however they did not respond to the allegations.