NI Conservatives’ regional development spokesman, Brian McBride, has called upon the executive to take action to save the Exploris Aquarium, in Portaferry.
“If Ards Borough Council cannot find a buyer for Exploris, then ministers at Stormont should step in and provide a solution”, Brian said. “The aquarium is an important asset for the Strangford Lough area, both in terms of tourism, conservation and science. This is also a significant resource for the whole of Northern Ireland and a significant visitor attraction in one of our prime tourist regions.”
“The departments of Enterprise, Regional Development, Education and Culture, Arts and Leisure should all be working together to see how it can be saved. It is not fair to expect the rates payers in Ards to foot the bill for an asset which benefits the whole of Northern Ireland and it is a great pity that our outdated employment law is discouraging a sale to private owners. Let’s see a positive, can-do attitude for once, from our ministers, let’s see some action and let’s see whether Exploris, which means a lot to people right across our province, can be saved.”