Exploris is important

Exploris is important

9 October 2013

STRANGFORD residents say the importance of Exploris to the village cannot be overstated.

Gemma Curran branded the recommendation by Ards Council to close the facility as an “absolute disgrace” and hopes the efforts being made to secure alternative funding to keep the doors of the aquarium open are successful.

She said the closure of Exploris would have a detrimental affect on businesses in Strangford, given the large volume of tourist traffic which uses the ferry to cross the lough.

“Strangford and Portaferry are like one great village, despite the water which separates us,” Gemma continued. “There is a lot of community spirit between both villages and people on this side of the waterway would be very disappointed if the closure recommendation was rubber-stamped.”

Describing Exploris as a “focal point” for many people across Northern Ireland, Gemma suggested that perhaps Ards Council does not realise the wide impact the aquarium has.

She added: “Strangford Lough has one of the biggest variations of wildlife in Europe. From an educational point of view, Exploris gives so much to young people in particular. They learn so much about the marine environment and we must not lose this asset.”

Colm Foley, who has lived in Strangford for the past 10 years, believes the closure of Exploris would be an “extraordinarily bad thing” for both villages either side of Strangford Lough.

“I would be very concerned about the impact the closure would have on the local economy. Strangford does get a turn from Exploris with many people making their way to the aquarium accessing it from our village which helps benefit businesses here. We need this to continue,” he added, calling for more money to be invested in marketing the aquarium.

Rose Muir described Exploris as an “immensely valuable educational and tourism resource” which literally educates people about what’s under the water. She said nowhere else in Northern Ireland is there such a “unique facility” and called for the aquarium to remain open.

Rose added: “While there are issues about how much it costs to run, this is perhaps something which should have been addressed before now. That said, the cost should not be met by ratepayers.

“Money can be found for other major attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, so why not Exploris. The aquarium is a regional facility and should be regionally funded.”