Menu
25/09/2014
Exploris Funding Accepted By Council
A funding package to keep Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry open has been accepted by Ards Borough Council, it is understood.
Earlier this year, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan agreed to provide £914,000 in capital funding, as well as up to £120,000 in annual revenue funding for the popular tourist attraction.
In 2013, the facility was threatened with closure after it was reported to be too costly to run. Thousands of people then supported a campaign to save the centre. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in the region and also hosts a purpose-built seal sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council agreed to the terms of the funding package at a meeting on Wednesday. It now needs to be approved by the new super-council which will eventually take over the running of the centre.
Councillor Philip Smith, Mayor of Ards, is quoted as saying: "I am delighted that it looks like the Exploris facility will be saved, while reducing the financial burden on the Ards ratepayer.
"I am confident that the business plan developed by Ards Borough Council along with the proposed design brief for the rejuvenated facility will create an attractive, informative, fun, and sustainable visitor attraction for the Ards area."
(JP/CD)
Earlier this year, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan agreed to provide £914,000 in capital funding, as well as up to £120,000 in annual revenue funding for the popular tourist attraction.
In 2013, the facility was threatened with closure after it was reported to be too costly to run. Thousands of people then supported a campaign to save the centre. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in the region and also hosts a purpose-built seal sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council agreed to the terms of the funding package at a meeting on Wednesday. It now needs to be approved by the new super-council which will eventually take over the running of the centre.
Councillor Philip Smith, Mayor of Ards, is quoted as saying: "I am delighted that it looks like the Exploris facility will be saved, while reducing the financial burden on the Ards ratepayer.
"I am confident that the business plan developed by Ards Borough Council along with the proposed design brief for the rejuvenated facility will create an attractive, informative, fun, and sustainable visitor attraction for the Ards area."
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 August 2014
Council Accepts Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has accepted the Executive’s offer of £914,000 capital funding and up to £120K revenue funding to save the threatened Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, it has been announced.
Council Accepts Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has accepted the Executive’s offer of £914,000 capital funding and up to £120K revenue funding to save the threatened Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, it has been announced.
11 July 2024
£8.5m Funding Secured For Whitespots Country Park
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has officially announced that £8.5 million in funding has been approved for Ards and North Down Borough Council to undertake the redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park. The project will receive £7.
£8.5m Funding Secured For Whitespots Country Park
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has officially announced that £8.5 million in funding has been approved for Ards and North Down Borough Council to undertake the redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park. The project will receive £7.
26 September 2013
Decision To Close Exploris Deferred
Councillors have voted to delay the closure of Northern Ireland's only aquarium for two months, in the hopes of funding being made available from government departments. The decision was made by Ards Borough Council during a meeting on Wednesday night.
Decision To Close Exploris Deferred
Councillors have voted to delay the closure of Northern Ireland's only aquarium for two months, in the hopes of funding being made available from government departments. The decision was made by Ards Borough Council during a meeting on Wednesday night.
20 May 2014
Queen's Commonwealth Games Baton Reaches NI
The Queen's Baton Relay, promoting the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, has arrived in Northern Ireland. The Baton contains a sealed message from Queen Elizabeth II, which will be read out at the opening ceremony of the games.
Queen's Commonwealth Games Baton Reaches NI
The Queen's Baton Relay, promoting the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, has arrived in Northern Ireland. The Baton contains a sealed message from Queen Elizabeth II, which will be read out at the opening ceremony of the games.
24 March 2025
Minister Launches 'Celebration Of Sport' Days
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first of two Celebration of Sport days, aimed at introducing 1,400 primary school pupils in the Carrickfergus and Newtownards areas to a variety of sports.
Minister Launches 'Celebration Of Sport' Days
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first of two Celebration of Sport days, aimed at introducing 1,400 primary school pupils in the Carrickfergus and Newtownards areas to a variety of sports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
