Menu
28/02/2008
Ulster Keeps Eye On Trump Golf Project Inquiry
The already contentious application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort is now set to go to a Public Local Inquiry - with the outcome eagerly watched by political representatives in Northern Ireland who aim to 'steal' the project for the Province.
John Swinney, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth said the Inquiry comes on foot of his Ministers 'calling in' the planning application for the Trump development at Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, last December.
However, they'll also need to keep a wary eye out, as around the same time as the 'calling in' took place, Northern Ireland's First Minister, Ian Paisley made a point of holding his own talks with the developer, Billionaire tycoon Donald Trump in the USA.
He said these were aimed at securing the controversial Trump Links development for the Province, as an alternative to the troubled Aberdeenshire location, followed the initially rejected planning bid.
NI Assembly First Minister Ian Paisley had a 25-minute meeting in New York with Mr Trump and told him that Northern Ireland would welcome the £1 billion golf resort to County Antrim.
He said, "We had a good exchange together and I told him he would be encouraged if he came because we are looking for people to invest and also for anything which is going to help tourism."
Dr Paisley will now be watching developments across the Irish Sea with renewed interest and will be monitoring the decisions that follow.
Mr Swinney, the Scottish politician said today of the Trump application in Scotland: "This application raises issues of importance that require consideration at a national level.
"I have now been able to evaluate fully the options open to us to ensure that Ministers can give proper consideration to this major and controversial application.
"Given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest it is important that the process to examine the issues is as efficient, transparent and inclusive as possible.
"For those reasons I have determined that there should be a Public Local Inquiry, under the stewardship of a very experienced reporter.
"There is already a large amount of information on the application in the public domain and I would expect the reporter to take full account of that and to focus the inquiry on the issues that are in dispute.
"I have now asked the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to convene an early meeting of the parties to inform the preparation of a definitive timetable for handling the case."
Aberdeenshire Council officials originally rejected Mr Trump's controversial proposals for a huge golf complex and housing development, and the Scottish local government stepped in to look at Trump's application amid concerns that Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee voting against would be the death knell of the huge project.
When they "called in" the application - this meant the local Scottish government would have the final say and that remains controversial.
Also, First Minister Alex Salmond had met members of the Trump Organisation - although the SNP leader has said this was done as part of his role as an MSP.
See: Scottish Government Plays Trump Card On Golf Project
(BMcC)
John Swinney, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth said the Inquiry comes on foot of his Ministers 'calling in' the planning application for the Trump development at Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, last December.
However, they'll also need to keep a wary eye out, as around the same time as the 'calling in' took place, Northern Ireland's First Minister, Ian Paisley made a point of holding his own talks with the developer, Billionaire tycoon Donald Trump in the USA.
He said these were aimed at securing the controversial Trump Links development for the Province, as an alternative to the troubled Aberdeenshire location, followed the initially rejected planning bid.
NI Assembly First Minister Ian Paisley had a 25-minute meeting in New York with Mr Trump and told him that Northern Ireland would welcome the £1 billion golf resort to County Antrim.
He said, "We had a good exchange together and I told him he would be encouraged if he came because we are looking for people to invest and also for anything which is going to help tourism."
Dr Paisley will now be watching developments across the Irish Sea with renewed interest and will be monitoring the decisions that follow.
Mr Swinney, the Scottish politician said today of the Trump application in Scotland: "This application raises issues of importance that require consideration at a national level.
"I have now been able to evaluate fully the options open to us to ensure that Ministers can give proper consideration to this major and controversial application.
"Given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest it is important that the process to examine the issues is as efficient, transparent and inclusive as possible.
"For those reasons I have determined that there should be a Public Local Inquiry, under the stewardship of a very experienced reporter.
"There is already a large amount of information on the application in the public domain and I would expect the reporter to take full account of that and to focus the inquiry on the issues that are in dispute.
"I have now asked the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to convene an early meeting of the parties to inform the preparation of a definitive timetable for handling the case."
Aberdeenshire Council officials originally rejected Mr Trump's controversial proposals for a huge golf complex and housing development, and the Scottish local government stepped in to look at Trump's application amid concerns that Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee voting against would be the death knell of the huge project.
When they "called in" the application - this meant the local Scottish government would have the final say and that remains controversial.
Also, First Minister Alex Salmond had met members of the Trump Organisation - although the SNP leader has said this was done as part of his role as an MSP.
See: Scottish Government Plays Trump Card On Golf Project
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
-
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.
