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18/09/2007
National Trust Intervenes In Causeway Row
The National Trust is set to intervene in the ongoing row over the Giant's Causeway visitors’ centre when it is discussed by a committee in Stormont today.
The Trust, which owns the Causeway, had expressed misgivings over Environment Minister Arlene Foster's comments that she was "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney last week.
Meanwhile, Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds will has appeared before the committee after his decision to drop plans, costing over £21 million, to build a public facility at the site.
Mr Dodds had said that the project would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money", given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
However, on Tuesday, it was reported that Mr Dodds has told the committee that public money could still be used to build the centre, if the private planning application failed.
Chairman Mark Durkan is reported to have accused Mr Dodds of recouching his attitude towards the development.
However, councillors from Coleraine Borough Council voted last week to keep the Causeway's visitors' centre in public hands, followed by councillors from Moyle District Council.
Sinn Fein had called on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney. However, Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
The previous visitors' centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year. It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA)
The Trust, which owns the Causeway, had expressed misgivings over Environment Minister Arlene Foster's comments that she was "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney last week.
Meanwhile, Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds will has appeared before the committee after his decision to drop plans, costing over £21 million, to build a public facility at the site.
Mr Dodds had said that the project would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money", given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
However, on Tuesday, it was reported that Mr Dodds has told the committee that public money could still be used to build the centre, if the private planning application failed.
Chairman Mark Durkan is reported to have accused Mr Dodds of recouching his attitude towards the development.
However, councillors from Coleraine Borough Council voted last week to keep the Causeway's visitors' centre in public hands, followed by councillors from Moyle District Council.
Sinn Fein had called on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney. However, Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
The previous visitors' centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year. It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA)
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29 January 2008
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
28 November 2007
Rival Bid Renews Debate Over Causeway Centre
There's continuing debate over the proposed new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway this week with news of a serious counter bid to developer Seymour Sweeney's plan.
Rival Bid Renews Debate Over Causeway Centre
There's continuing debate over the proposed new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway this week with news of a serious counter bid to developer Seymour Sweeney's plan.
01 May 2008
Causeway Visitor Centre Back On?
New plans for the construction of a replacement Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre are set to be submitted.
Causeway Visitor Centre Back On?
New plans for the construction of a replacement Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre are set to be submitted.
12 September 2007
Councillors Vote To Keep Giant's Causeway Public
Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council have voted to keep the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre in public hands. Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
Councillors Vote To Keep Giant's Causeway Public
Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council have voted to keep the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre in public hands. Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
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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.
