Menu
15/08/2016
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.
Crumlin Road Gaol will be operating the facility.
As well as new and improved enclosures for the wide range of fishes and aquatic species the aquarium previously accommodated, the new Exploris retains the seal sanctuary and incorporates specially constructed living environments for otters and, for the first time in Northern Ireland, a Nile crocodile.
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said: "Exploris has seen a fantastic refurbishment which showcases Portaferry as a true tourist destination and is an economic boost for the entire Ards peninsula. Credit goes to the operator, Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd, and to all those who have helped us get to this point," she said.
"The Alliance representatives in the area, including my predecessor Kieran McCarthy, Alderman Alan McDowell and myself, have fought hard for a number of years to get to this point, going through many battles with several other elected representatives over the issue.
"Indeed, I thought it strange Minister Michelle McIlveen officially reopened the aquarium, as some of her DUP Council colleagues publicly stated their opposition to investing in Exploris due to its location in Portaferry.
"I hope this reopening brings much needed tourist income back for businesses and the Strangford area, as it will become a vital part of the local economy again."
(DT)
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.
Crumlin Road Gaol will be operating the facility.
As well as new and improved enclosures for the wide range of fishes and aquatic species the aquarium previously accommodated, the new Exploris retains the seal sanctuary and incorporates specially constructed living environments for otters and, for the first time in Northern Ireland, a Nile crocodile.
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said: "Exploris has seen a fantastic refurbishment which showcases Portaferry as a true tourist destination and is an economic boost for the entire Ards peninsula. Credit goes to the operator, Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd, and to all those who have helped us get to this point," she said.
"The Alliance representatives in the area, including my predecessor Kieran McCarthy, Alderman Alan McDowell and myself, have fought hard for a number of years to get to this point, going through many battles with several other elected representatives over the issue.
"Indeed, I thought it strange Minister Michelle McIlveen officially reopened the aquarium, as some of her DUP Council colleagues publicly stated their opposition to investing in Exploris due to its location in Portaferry.
"I hope this reopening brings much needed tourist income back for businesses and the Strangford area, as it will become a vital part of the local economy again."
(DT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
01 October 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.
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.
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.
13 March 2006
Dolphins found dead in County Down
Two dolphins rescued after beaching in County Down on Friday, have died. The mammals were spotted swimming close to the shore on Friday afternoon by a local resident and were later found beached on the shores of Carlingford Lough.
Dolphins found dead in County Down
Two dolphins rescued after beaching in County Down on Friday, have died. The mammals were spotted swimming close to the shore on Friday afternoon by a local resident and were later found beached on the shores of Carlingford Lough.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
