Ministers to discuss Exploris plan

Ministers to discuss Exploris plan

THE Stormont Executive is due to discuss a business case aimed at securing central government funding for the beleaguered Exploris aquarium in Portaferry before the end of the month.

The news was confirmed by Environment Minister Mark Durkan during a visit to Tollymore last week.

Mr. Durkan’s department has already agreed to commit £120,000 a year to maintain the aquarium’s seal sanctuary and a one-off payment of £45,000 to upgrade the facility.

He explained that a series of issues his department raised with Ards Council — which produced the business case — were designed to ensure that when the document is presented in front of the Executive, all the information required will be available.

The local authority prepared a business plan which was submitted to the Department of Environment in January, aimed at reducing Ards Council’s expenditure on the aquarium.

The local authority is also hoping it can secure a one-off capital grant of £900,000 from the Executive.

Mr. Durkan said he has stated his commitment to the Portaferry aquarium and accepted his department’s responsibility towards the seal sanctuary.

“My department did ask for an additional information on a number of issues in the business case which was provided. I now hope that the document can be tabled in front of the the full Executive before the end of the month,” he said.

Mr. Durkan said there is a recognition that money needs to be invested in the Portaferry aquarium to upgrade the facility.

“My department has made a commitment to Exploris but the facility requires additional help,” he said.

The Minister added: “When I was in the United States recently I saw a tourist brochure promoting Northern Ireland. Exploris featured heavily in the brochure and if there are those who are using the aquarium to promote Northern Ireland then I believe they should also be helping secure its future.”