Menu
12/09/2007
Councillors Vote To Keep Giant's Causeway Public
Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council have voted to keep the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre in public hands.
Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
The move came after Environment Minister Arlene Foster revealed earlier this week that she is "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney.
The move sparked Sinn Fein to call on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney.
Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
Ms Foster has also hinted that she may consider taking legal action.
Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds said earlier this week that the project would cost more than £21 million and said that it would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money" to proceed with the project, given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
Mr Dodds said that his department and Northern Ireland Tourist Board had only become involved as "a potential developer of last resort", because key stakeholders were "unable, over an extended period of time, to reach agreement".
More than £1 million had been spent on the project so far by the department.
The previous visitors' centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year. It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA/SP)
Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
The move came after Environment Minister Arlene Foster revealed earlier this week that she is "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney.
The move sparked Sinn Fein to call on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney.
Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
Ms Foster has also hinted that she may consider taking legal action.
Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds said earlier this week that the project would cost more than £21 million and said that it would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money" to proceed with the project, given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
Mr Dodds said that his department and Northern Ireland Tourist Board had only become involved as "a potential developer of last resort", because key stakeholders were "unable, over an extended period of time, to reach agreement".
More than £1 million had been spent on the project so far by the department.
The previous visitors' centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year. It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2007
National Trust Intervenes In Causeway Row
The National Trust is set to intervene in the ongoing row over the Giant's Causeway visitors’ centre when it is discussed by a committee in Stormont today.
National Trust Intervenes In Causeway Row
The National Trust is set to intervene in the ongoing row over the Giant's Causeway visitors’ centre when it is discussed by a committee in Stormont today.
29 January 2008
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
11 November 2020
NI Executive Talks End Without Decision
The NI Executive has failed again to reach an agreement for a next move when the current 'circuit breaker' lockdown ends on Thursday 12 November. A decision was expected on Monday, however talks ended without agreement. Further discussions were held on Tuesday, but it is understood they also ended without the executive deciding what to do next.
NI Executive Talks End Without Decision
The NI Executive has failed again to reach an agreement for a next move when the current 'circuit breaker' lockdown ends on Thursday 12 November. A decision was expected on Monday, however talks ended without agreement. Further discussions were held on Tuesday, but it is understood they also ended without the executive deciding what to do next.
12 June 2018
Man Dies In Accident At Fermanagh Farm
A man has died after an incident at a farm in Co Fermanagh. Emergency services attended the scene in the Moughley Road area of Lisnaskea on Monday, 11 June. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed.
Man Dies In Accident At Fermanagh Farm
A man has died after an incident at a farm in Co Fermanagh. Emergency services attended the scene in the Moughley Road area of Lisnaskea on Monday, 11 June. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed.
27 February 2018
Man Arrested Following House Fire In Co Fermanagh
A man been arrested on suspicion of murder after the deaths of at least three people in a house fire in Co Fermanagh. The blaze happened at a property in the Molly Road area of Derrlin on Tuesday morning, 27 February. The 27-year-old male was detained at the scene and attended hospital to be treated before he was arrested.
Man Arrested Following House Fire In Co Fermanagh
A man been arrested on suspicion of murder after the deaths of at least three people in a house fire in Co Fermanagh. The blaze happened at a property in the Molly Road area of Derrlin on Tuesday morning, 27 February. The 27-year-old male was detained at the scene and attended hospital to be treated before he was arrested.
-
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.
