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14/06/2012
National Trust 'A Disgrace' - Paisley Junior
Ian Paisley Jr has called the National Trust a "disgrace to Northern Ireland".
The DUP MP's outburst on BBC Radio Ulster came after the conservation charity brought a legal challenge against a planned £100m golf resort on the north coast.
A planning application for an 18-hole golf course and five-star hotel at Runkerry, near the Giant's Causeway, was approved three months ago, but the Trust announced yesterday it would push for a judicial review of the decision.
The long-running planning dispute could eventually push developers away, Mr Paisley argued.
He thought the legal battle could take up to two years, and the development has already been 12 years in the pipeline.
And he said: "I think their timing stinks - we're three weeks away (from the Irish Open), one of the biggest golf tourism events here. Thanks National Trust, at a time of economic depression, you put the two fingers up to everyone in Northern Ireland and say you're going to try to hurt rather than help the economy. You are a disgrace to Northern Ireland."
The charity said yesterday that it had "consistently opposed the planning application" for the 365-acre site.
If successful, the resort would be on land designated by UNESCO as a "buffer zone" for the Giant’s Causeway's World Heritage Site.
In a statement, the National Trust said it was "not responsible for the timing" of the legal challenge.
Mr Paisley and senior members of the National Trust are due to meet face-to-face on June 22.
(NE)
The DUP MP's outburst on BBC Radio Ulster came after the conservation charity brought a legal challenge against a planned £100m golf resort on the north coast.
A planning application for an 18-hole golf course and five-star hotel at Runkerry, near the Giant's Causeway, was approved three months ago, but the Trust announced yesterday it would push for a judicial review of the decision.
The long-running planning dispute could eventually push developers away, Mr Paisley argued.
He thought the legal battle could take up to two years, and the development has already been 12 years in the pipeline.
And he said: "I think their timing stinks - we're three weeks away (from the Irish Open), one of the biggest golf tourism events here. Thanks National Trust, at a time of economic depression, you put the two fingers up to everyone in Northern Ireland and say you're going to try to hurt rather than help the economy. You are a disgrace to Northern Ireland."
The charity said yesterday that it had "consistently opposed the planning application" for the 365-acre site.
If successful, the resort would be on land designated by UNESCO as a "buffer zone" for the Giant’s Causeway's World Heritage Site.
In a statement, the National Trust said it was "not responsible for the timing" of the legal challenge.
Mr Paisley and senior members of the National Trust are due to meet face-to-face on June 22.
(NE)
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26 November 2001
National Trust celebrates view of Northern Ireland
Some of the province’s most famous landmarks have been celebrated in the first-ever Northern Ireland calendar from the National Trust.
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25 January 2010
Four Shortlisted For Civic Trust Awards
St Malachy's Church in Belfast has been shortlisted to receive an Award or Commendation at the annual Civic Trust Awards, which take place on 12th March in Liverpool.
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St Malachy's Church in Belfast has been shortlisted to receive an Award or Commendation at the annual Civic Trust Awards, which take place on 12th March in Liverpool.
16 January 2024
£3m Announced To Transform Divis And Black Mountain
Funding of £3 million has been awarded to the National Trust for the delivery of restoration and transformation works at Divis and Black Mountain. In 2004, National Lottery players' support helped The National Trust purchase Divis and the Black Mountain.
£3m Announced To Transform Divis And Black Mountain
Funding of £3 million has been awarded to the National Trust for the delivery of restoration and transformation works at Divis and Black Mountain. In 2004, National Lottery players' support helped The National Trust purchase Divis and the Black Mountain.
25 May 2017
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge To Re-Open
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co Antrim is to reopen on Thursday, 25 May. The bridge was closed after vandals attempted to cut through its ropes. On Wednesday, the National Trust said the bridge was closed for the "foreseeable future". However, structural engineers have been working to assess the damage. Police have launched an investigation.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge To Re-Open
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co Antrim is to reopen on Thursday, 25 May. The bridge was closed after vandals attempted to cut through its ropes. On Wednesday, the National Trust said the bridge was closed for the "foreseeable future". However, structural engineers have been working to assess the damage. Police have launched an investigation.
04 August 2008
Two 'Green' Buses Operating At Giant's Causeway
Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
Two 'Green' Buses Operating At Giant's Causeway
Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
