Menu
25/09/2013
Councillors To Decide Exploris Fate
The future of Northern Ireland's only aquarium will be decided at a council meeting tonight (Wednesday).
The council-run Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, is facing the threat of closure after a take-over acquisition with a private firm collapsed earlier this month.
Last week, Ards Borough Council's Development Committee recommended that the facility close down and be sold. At Wednesday's meeting, the recommendation will be discussed.
DUP Councillor Trevor Cummings chairs the development committee and last week, he said the level of expenditure required to keep the centre open was "not sustainable in this economic climate".
It is understood it costs ratepayers around £600,000 each year to maintain the Strangford Lough facility.
Due to the costs, the local authority had been trying to find ways to "reduce the financial burden" on ratepayers. It looked to private sector involvement and Livingstone Leisure had submitted a successful bid to take over the aquarium and surrounding parkland on a 25-year lease.
However, the deal collapsed when the firm failed to reach agreement on staff pension provision.
There are currently 18 people employed on permanent contracts at the popular tourist attraction.
Exploris, formerly known as the Northern Ireland Aquarium, first opened in 1987 and has always been owned and operated by Ards Borough Council.
In 1999, the centre's seal sanctuary, which helps to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned seal pups, opened. If the closure proceeds, the council has said a plan will be developed "to ensure the proper care of all animal stock".
(JP/CD)
The council-run Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, is facing the threat of closure after a take-over acquisition with a private firm collapsed earlier this month.
Last week, Ards Borough Council's Development Committee recommended that the facility close down and be sold. At Wednesday's meeting, the recommendation will be discussed.
DUP Councillor Trevor Cummings chairs the development committee and last week, he said the level of expenditure required to keep the centre open was "not sustainable in this economic climate".
It is understood it costs ratepayers around £600,000 each year to maintain the Strangford Lough facility.
Due to the costs, the local authority had been trying to find ways to "reduce the financial burden" on ratepayers. It looked to private sector involvement and Livingstone Leisure had submitted a successful bid to take over the aquarium and surrounding parkland on a 25-year lease.
However, the deal collapsed when the firm failed to reach agreement on staff pension provision.
There are currently 18 people employed on permanent contracts at the popular tourist attraction.
Exploris, formerly known as the Northern Ireland Aquarium, first opened in 1987 and has always been owned and operated by Ards Borough Council.
In 1999, the centre's seal sanctuary, which helps to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned seal pups, opened. If the closure proceeds, the council has said a plan will be developed "to ensure the proper care of all animal stock".
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2015
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
01 October 2013
Community Shows Support For Exploris
NIPSA has reported overwhelming support within the community of Portaferry, County Down, to lobby political parties to find a solution to the proposed closure of the Exploris aquarium in the town. More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
Community Shows Support For Exploris
NIPSA has reported overwhelming support within the community of Portaferry, County Down, to lobby political parties to find a solution to the proposed closure of the Exploris aquarium in the town. More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
27 February 2014
'One Last Month' For Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has given the NI Executive one more month to confirm a funding package to keep Exploris Aquarium open. The announcement follows a meeting on Wednesday (26 February), where the Council agreed to extend the stay on closure for a further month.
'One Last Month' For Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has given the NI Executive one more month to confirm a funding package to keep Exploris Aquarium open. The announcement follows a meeting on Wednesday (26 February), where the Council agreed to extend the stay on closure for a further month.
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.
27 March 2014
Ards Council Submit Financial Plan For Exploris Aquariam
The Exploris aquarium in Portaferry has been granted a further two months before a final decision is taken on its longterm future. The aquarium has been marked for closure due to the cost of operating the facility.
Ards Council Submit Financial Plan For Exploris Aquariam
The Exploris aquarium in Portaferry has been granted a further two months before a final decision is taken on its longterm future. The aquarium has been marked for closure due to the cost of operating the facility.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
