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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:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
