Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy says Executive needs to help save Exploris

THE ALLIANCE Party’s Kieran McCarthy has said Exploris will not be saved by the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan alone.

And he has again urged Ards Borough Council and Ministers in the Stormont Executive to engage.

Mr McCarthy was speaking after Minister Durkan again pledged funding for one-off grants to help save the local aquarium during Assembly Question time.

Kieran McCarthy MLA: “I commend the efforts taken by the Environment Minister to try and save Exploris.

“But his Department does not have the resources to single-handedly salvage Exploris from closure.

“I would urge Ministers from the other relevant departments to get involved and pledge financial support to save Exploris.

“However Ards Borough Council must take the lead on this.

“The Environment Minister has made it clear that funding will only be available if Ards Council is open to receiving it and if the local authority can commit to providing a business case detailing how best to sustain Exploris in the long run.

“It is now a week since the Assembly vowed to support Exploris in a motion my Party tabled.

“Exploris was given a two-month stay of execution, up at the end of November.

“We are fast approaching this cut-off date so it is essential we find a realistic solution to save Exploris immediately.”