23/10/2013
Protestors Gather At Exploris During MLA Fact-Finding Visit
Some 70 protestors gathered outside the Exploris aquarium in Portaferry during a fact-finding visit by assembly members.
The aquarium has been marked for closure in March 2014 as a result of financial troubles, Ards Borough Council have said.
During the visit assembly members were told the only that would save the centre would be financial support from a government department, but it is understood that as yet no department has agreed to step in.
Speaking after his visit, chairman of Stormont's enterprise committee Patsy McGlone said that closing the centre would be "madness".
Earlier this month, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said she could not commit to funding the aquarium.
The minister said this could result in a queue of facilities claiming to be of regional importance.
(MH)
The aquarium has been marked for closure in March 2014 as a result of financial troubles, Ards Borough Council have said.
During the visit assembly members were told the only that would save the centre would be financial support from a government department, but it is understood that as yet no department has agreed to step in.
Speaking after his visit, chairman of Stormont's enterprise committee Patsy McGlone said that closing the centre would be "madness".
Earlier this month, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said she could not commit to funding the aquarium.
The minister said this could result in a queue of facilities claiming to be of regional importance.
(MH)
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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.
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25 November 2024
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Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
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22 November 2021
Two Childcare Support Funds Extended
The Covid-19 Childcare Temporary Closure Fund has been extended until 31 December 2021, Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced. The fund will provide continued support for childcare providers who have been forced to close temporarily due to a Covid-related incident within their provision.
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The Covid-19 Childcare Temporary Closure Fund has been extended until 31 December 2021, Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced. The fund will provide continued support for childcare providers who have been forced to close temporarily due to a Covid-related incident within their provision.
13 September 2022
UUP Leader Expresses His Grief At The Death Of The Queen
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie has expressed his condolences to "the King, his brothers and sister and the wider family on the death of their mother, their grandmother, their great grandmother, our Queen".
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14 March 2016
First Minister And Deputy First Minister Begin US Visit
The First Minister and deputy First Minister are in the United States to meet with firms to invest in Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have started their four-day visit in New York and will also travel to Washington and San Francisco.
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The First Minister and deputy First Minister are in the United States to meet with firms to invest in Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have started their four-day visit in New York and will also travel to Washington and San Francisco.
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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.