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15/02/2010
Portrush Marina Funding At Low Ebb
There are problems with cash from a €7m EU-funded organisation which promotes marine leisure across Scottish and Irish waters that has been earmarked for the rejuvination of a once thriving seaside resort.
The money from Sail West project - which is led by Donegal County Council - is being delayed.
According to Coleraine Borough Council, delays realising the funds for Portrush are caused by 'administrative red tape'.
However, Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said last week that his Department's partner agencies had held up the application and that he hoped the money would be released "fairly soon".
Speaking after a visit to Portrush, he said that it is certainly in need of regeneration.
He was being pressurised by local MLAs to release funds for a prestigious marina project at a sitting of the Assembly when UUP Assemblymen David McClarty drew attention to the fact Portrush had been ranked just 55th out of 65 UK resorts.
"Having been in Portrush at the weekend, I can confirm his point," said Mr Wilson.
"There is a lot of dereliction in Portrush, especially in the main street. Therefore, a lot of work needs to be done in what is one of Northern Ireland's main tourist areas."
His remarks followed MLA Gregory Campbell's query about funding for the harbour technical study which the council hopes will pave the way for a 250 berth marina.
Welcoming indications of an early resolution, Gregory Campbell said: "This is quite a significant project in one of - if not the - premier tourism and leisure resorts in Northern Ireland."
Mr Wilson said he recognised MLAs' concerns over funding for all 15 project making up the Portrush regeneration plan but reassured members his Department was eager to press ahead.
"It is not in our interests for funds to be delayed, we want to spend the money."
He added: "There is no reason for us to delay spending at a time when we want to have as much investment in the economy as possible.
"However, there are elements that cannot be dealt with by (my) Department," he explained.
(BMcC/GK)
The money from Sail West project - which is led by Donegal County Council - is being delayed.
According to Coleraine Borough Council, delays realising the funds for Portrush are caused by 'administrative red tape'.
However, Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said last week that his Department's partner agencies had held up the application and that he hoped the money would be released "fairly soon".
Speaking after a visit to Portrush, he said that it is certainly in need of regeneration.
He was being pressurised by local MLAs to release funds for a prestigious marina project at a sitting of the Assembly when UUP Assemblymen David McClarty drew attention to the fact Portrush had been ranked just 55th out of 65 UK resorts.
"Having been in Portrush at the weekend, I can confirm his point," said Mr Wilson.
"There is a lot of dereliction in Portrush, especially in the main street. Therefore, a lot of work needs to be done in what is one of Northern Ireland's main tourist areas."
His remarks followed MLA Gregory Campbell's query about funding for the harbour technical study which the council hopes will pave the way for a 250 berth marina.
Welcoming indications of an early resolution, Gregory Campbell said: "This is quite a significant project in one of - if not the - premier tourism and leisure resorts in Northern Ireland."
Mr Wilson said he recognised MLAs' concerns over funding for all 15 project making up the Portrush regeneration plan but reassured members his Department was eager to press ahead.
"It is not in our interests for funds to be delayed, we want to spend the money."
He added: "There is no reason for us to delay spending at a time when we want to have as much investment in the economy as possible.
"However, there are elements that cannot be dealt with by (my) Department," he explained.
(BMcC/GK)
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