Down Council gives backing for Exploris

Down Council gives backing for Exploris

16 October 2013

DOWN Council has backed the campaign to keep the Exploris aquarium in Portaferry open.

Normal business was suspended during the monthly meeting on Monday evening to allow an emergency debate on the future of Northern Ireland’s only aquarium.

Ards Council wants to close Exploris amid mounting concerns about its annual running costs, reported to be in the region of £600,000 a year. But a major campaign has been mounted to keep the doors open, secure regional status for the aquarium and seek alternative funding from a number of sources.

Down councillors agreed on Monday night to highlight to Ards Council the importance of the aquarium to Strangford and Lecale and also called on the Tourist Board to do more to promote Exploris.

Councillors are to write to the Stormont Executive highlighting the major impact the closure of Exploris will have on a wide area on both sides of Strangford Lough and urge Ministers to consider providing much-needed funding.

A motion tabled by councillor Gareth Sharvin urging support for the Portaferry aquarium and highlighting the important role Exploris plays in the tourism, environmental, business and education sectors around Strangford Lough secured across-the-board political support.

“What we must remember is the impact the closure of Exploris will have on a number of areas in our district,” he told councillors.

“The aquarium attracts 100,000 visitors each year and it’s estimated that Exploris generates around £3m of business each year for the communities of Portaferry, Strangford and the surrounding area.”

Councillor Sharvin said Down Council is promoting Strangford Lough as a worldwide tourism destination and Exploris is one of the key drivers in this initiative.

He added: “A special report in last week’s Down Recorder highlighted the views of people in Strangford and the village’s business community about the proposed closure of Exploris.

“Everyone is concerned about the impact closing the aquarium will have on this side of Strangford Lough. Down Council must support keeping Exploris open. The aquarium is vital to the continuous improvement of our district and attracting more visitors to the area.”

Councillor Colin McGrath said the aquarium provides a “considerable amount” of economic spin-off for Strangford and the wider Lecale area. He said Down Council must send a clear message that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Portaferry and everyone else campaigning to keep Exploris open.

Councillor Billy Walker said he hopes the aquarium will remain open, while councillor Cadogan Enright highlighted the need for the Tourist Board to do more to promote Exploris.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said Exploris makes a major contribution to the district’s economy and must remain open, hoping the aquarium can secure regional status and a cocktail of funding to finance its annual running costs. Councillors Terry Andrews and Stephen Burns also supported the emergency motion.