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23/10/2013
Protestors Gather At Exploris During MLA Fact-Finding Visit
Some 70 protestors gathered outside the Exploris aquarium in Portaferry during a fact-finding visit by assembly members.
The aquarium has been marked for closure in March 2014 as a result of financial troubles, Ards Borough Council have said.
During the visit assembly members were told the only that would save the centre would be financial support from a government department, but it is understood that as yet no department has agreed to step in.
Speaking after his visit, chairman of Stormont's enterprise committee Patsy McGlone said that closing the centre would be "madness".
Earlier this month, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said she could not commit to funding the aquarium.
The minister said this could result in a queue of facilities claiming to be of regional importance.
(MH)
The aquarium has been marked for closure in March 2014 as a result of financial troubles, Ards Borough Council have said.
During the visit assembly members were told the only that would save the centre would be financial support from a government department, but it is understood that as yet no department has agreed to step in.
Speaking after his visit, chairman of Stormont's enterprise committee Patsy McGlone said that closing the centre would be "madness".
Earlier this month, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said she could not commit to funding the aquarium.
The minister said this could result in a queue of facilities claiming to be of regional importance.
(MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
