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.
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.
15 August 2017
Defibrillator Stolen In Newtownards
An investigation has been launched into the theft of a defibrillator from outside a shop in Newtownards. The life-saving equipment was taken overnight from outside a Vivo store on Glenard Road. Posting to their Facebook page, PSNI Ards, said that they would be looking at CCTV in order to identify those involved.
Defibrillator Stolen In Newtownards
An investigation has been launched into the theft of a defibrillator from outside a shop in Newtownards. The life-saving equipment was taken overnight from outside a Vivo store on Glenard Road. Posting to their Facebook page, PSNI Ards, said that they would be looking at CCTV in order to identify those involved.
13 November 2015
Man And Woman 'Critical' Following Crash In Newtownards
Police are appealing for witnesses following a three-vehicle collision on the carriageway between Bangor and Newtownards on Thursday. The crash happened at around 7.40pm close to the junction of Green Road. A man and woman are in a critical condition in hospital' The road was closed in both directions however it has now been reopened.
Man And Woman 'Critical' Following Crash In Newtownards
Police are appealing for witnesses following a three-vehicle collision on the carriageway between Bangor and Newtownards on Thursday. The crash happened at around 7.40pm close to the junction of Green Road. A man and woman are in a critical condition in hospital' The road was closed in both directions however it has now been reopened.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
