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01/10/2013
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.
Ards Borough Council was expected to close the aquarium last week due to growing concerns over running costs, but deferred the decision in the hope that funding could be found within the Executive.
Alison Millar, Deputy General Secretary, NIPSA, told the meeting last night: "The campaign for regional funding has started; meetings have been held and sought with a range of political representatives, including Ministers to seek a commitment from the NI Executive to support financially this excellent tourist and educational facility."
Antoinette McMillen, NIPSA Official, added: "This is the start of the campaign. A campaign group of interested parties including trade unions, community representatives, political representatives and business people has been established and we will be working collaboratively to ensure this campaign and the future of Exploris is a success."
(IT/JP)
More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council was expected to close the aquarium last week due to growing concerns over running costs, but deferred the decision in the hope that funding could be found within the Executive.
Alison Millar, Deputy General Secretary, NIPSA, told the meeting last night: "The campaign for regional funding has started; meetings have been held and sought with a range of political representatives, including Ministers to seek a commitment from the NI Executive to support financially this excellent tourist and educational facility."
Antoinette McMillen, NIPSA Official, added: "This is the start of the campaign. A campaign group of interested parties including trade unions, community representatives, political representatives and business people has been established and we will be working collaboratively to ensure this campaign and the future of Exploris is a success."
(IT/JP)
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