Other News In Brief

O'Dowds Visits Crumlin Road Gaol

Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd has visited Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre (GVACC) for a journey through the Gaol's history.

The Minister was given a guided tour of the historic Gaol, the North's only remaining Victorian era prison, by Managing Director Phelim Devlin.

Following the visit the Minister said: "I was delighted to visit the Gaol today for a tour of this wonderful facility and to have the opportunity to experience over 170 years of history brought to life through the latest technology and interactive tools.  It is said "every day is a school day" and following my tour this afternoon I can certainly testify to that. I got an insight into what life was like in a 19th century Victoria Gaol for men, women and children. We have so much history on our doorstep that sometimes we forget this."

He added: "Crumlin Road Gaol, like many businesses was severely impacted by the global pandemic and whilst tourism here has not returned to pre-pandemic levels I am pleased to see that the Gaol facility is now showing signs of recovery.

"I was also delighted that my Department was recently able to lease A wing in the Gaol to Belfast Distillery Company to develop its multi million pound distillery and visitor attraction. Once completed I hope this investment will enhance the tourist experience already being so professionally provided by the GVACC operator and his team."

Speaking after the visit, Phelim Devlin said: "We are delighted to have Minister O'Dowd visit the facility today. I very much welcomed the opportunity to highlight the challenges facing the tourism industry post Covid, the effects the spiralling cost of living crisis is having on the facility and on a more positive note our plans to further enhance the visit experience and encourage repeat visits."

Titanic Belfast Wins Two Prestigious Green Tourism Awards

Titanic Belfast has become the first organisation on the island of Ireland to receive Silver Awards for the Green Tourism and Green Meetings accreditations.

Green Tourism promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate and the awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. The Green Meetings accreditation has recently been introduced as a new standard specific to meetings and events venues.

According to the Green Tourism report, the world leading visitor attraction has 'displayed an excellent understanding of sustainability and awareness of opportunities and challenges associated with running a responsible business' and has demonstrated 'excellent examples of good practice such as rainwater harvesting, the combined heat and power system and a more sustainable events delegates pack'.

The Silver Awards are in recognition of the extensive sustainability initiatives and policies the world leading visitor attraction has put in place which includes a number of ambitious goals including committing to reducing energy consumption by five per cent by 2030, removing all single-use plastic items by 2025 and aiming to become a zero-waste organisation by 2030.

Denise Kennedy, Titanic Belfast's Head of Operations and Chair of the Internal Sustainability Action Team said: "We are very proud to be the first organisation on the island of Ireland to receive Silver Awards for both Green Tourism and Green Meetings. At Titanic Belfast, we have been committed to sustainability from our initial conception as a BREEAM Excellent rated building and throughout the last ten years with the implementation of lots of strong initiatives and policies. This most recently includes the introduction of our Sustainability Charter, which has been developed by a working group of employees with representatives from across all levels of the business, and outlines our Vision, Mission and Goals.

These awards demonstrate our commitment to driving forward our sustainability practices to achieve our key sustainable goals and to support this within the wider destination. We are on a journey to become as sustainable as possible and whilst we are making big strides in doing so, we look forward to continuing to work hard to create a positive impact, support our local communities and drive economic regrowth whilst protecting our environment and the Titanic legacy."

Titanic Belfast undertook the process as part of a city-wide sustainable Green Tourism partnership funded by Belfast City Council and delivered by Visit Belfast.

Visit Belfast's Chief Executive Gerry Lennon said: "It's brilliant to see Titanic Belfast leading the way and becoming the first business on the island of Ireland to receive silver accreditation for both Green Tourism and Green Meetings. This recognition rewards their commitment to sustainable tourism in Belfast and their efforts to reduce their environmental impact on the wider planet. Sustainability continues to shape the future of business events and tourism, both of which play a crucial role in supporting the city-vision of transitioning to an inclusive, zero-emissions, and climate resilient economy within a generation. Congratulations and well done to all at Titanic Belfast for securing the dual award."

Investigation Launched Into Fire At Derelict Building In Lurgan

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire at a derelict building in Lurgan.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have attended the scene of a fire at Kitchen Hill, which was reported at around midday.

A number of firefighters remain at the scene and people have been asked to avoid the area.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but it is understood that an investigation is underway.