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01/10/2013
Community Shows Support For Exploris
NIPSA has reported overwhelming support within the community of Portaferry, County Down, to lobby political parties to find a solution to the proposed closure of the Exploris aquarium in the town.
More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council was expected to close the aquarium last week due to growing concerns over running costs, but deferred the decision in the hope that funding could be found within the Executive.
Alison Millar, Deputy General Secretary, NIPSA, told the meeting last night: "The campaign for regional funding has started; meetings have been held and sought with a range of political representatives, including Ministers to seek a commitment from the NI Executive to support financially this excellent tourist and educational facility."
Antoinette McMillen, NIPSA Official, added: "This is the start of the campaign. A campaign group of interested parties including trade unions, community representatives, political representatives and business people has been established and we will be working collaboratively to ensure this campaign and the future of Exploris is a success."
(IT/JP)
More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council was expected to close the aquarium last week due to growing concerns over running costs, but deferred the decision in the hope that funding could be found within the Executive.
Alison Millar, Deputy General Secretary, NIPSA, told the meeting last night: "The campaign for regional funding has started; meetings have been held and sought with a range of political representatives, including Ministers to seek a commitment from the NI Executive to support financially this excellent tourist and educational facility."
Antoinette McMillen, NIPSA Official, added: "This is the start of the campaign. A campaign group of interested parties including trade unions, community representatives, political representatives and business people has been established and we will be working collaboratively to ensure this campaign and the future of Exploris is a success."
(IT/JP)
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01 August 2014
Executive Funding Saves Exploris
The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the necessary funding to save Exploris Aquarium in Co Down. On Thursday evening it was confirmed that a total of £900,000 would be set aside for the Portaferry-based aquarium.
Executive Funding Saves Exploris
The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the necessary funding to save Exploris Aquarium in Co Down. On Thursday evening it was confirmed that a total of £900,000 would be set aside for the Portaferry-based aquarium.
15 August 2016
Exploris Aquarium Re-Opens Following Refurb Work
Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, has re-opened following refurbishment work. Exploris had been threatened with permanent closure in 2013, however the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and North Down Borough Council invested £2 million to secure the future of the aquarium.
Exploris Aquarium Re-Opens Following Refurb Work
Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, has re-opened following refurbishment work. Exploris had been threatened with permanent closure in 2013, however the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and North Down Borough Council invested £2 million to secure the future of the aquarium.
11 February 2016
Exploris Aquarium To Re-Open
Northern Ireland's only aquarium Exploris is to re-open its doors this summer. The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
Exploris Aquarium To Re-Open
Northern Ireland's only aquarium Exploris is to re-open its doors this summer. The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
19 June 2015
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
21 February 2008
Cowabunga! Teenage Turtle In Lough
Ferry passengers and one of the divers working on the installation of a powerful turbine in the fast flowing waters of Strangford Lough and, separately, a Strangford fisherman, have each been delighted after a close encounter with a young, six-foot-long leatherback turtle.
Cowabunga! Teenage Turtle In Lough
Ferry passengers and one of the divers working on the installation of a powerful turbine in the fast flowing waters of Strangford Lough and, separately, a Strangford fisherman, have each been delighted after a close encounter with a young, six-foot-long leatherback turtle.
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