Causeway Centre Funding

Oral Answers to Questions — Enterprise, Trade and Investment – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:45 pm on 7 May 2002.

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Photo of Mr Gardiner Kane Mr Gardiner Kane DUP 2:45, 7 May 2002

1. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in the light of his policy to develop natural resource rural tourism, how much funding is available for the development of the Causeway Centre in North Antrim.

(AQO 1294/01)

Photo of Reg Empey Reg Empey UUP

I want the Causeway Centre to be adequately resourced to ensure that it meets the standards that we all feel are essential, but it is premature at this stage to discuss what specific level of funding support might be available from my Department, or from Government in general. Naturally, any specific proposal is subject to an application and appraisal process.

Photo of Mr Gardiner Kane Mr Gardiner Kane DUP

In the early 1980s, Moyle District Council took a risk in building a visitors’ centre at the Giant’s Causeway. The centre has been successfully developed and operated to the point where it is probably the only visitors’ centre in Northern Ireland that does not depend on any operating subsidy from the ratepayer.

In the development and management of a new centre at the causeway, why does the Department require the council to bring in third parties? Has the plan of action for dispensing natural resource rural tourism funding been clearly developed between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Finance and Personnel so that action on the ground is immediate?

Photo of Reg Empey Reg Empey UUP

Members will recall that an accidental fire destroyed the centre two years ago, which was a matter of deep regret. I visited the council shortly after the fire, as the Member knows, and expressed my view of the way ahead. It was intended that a state-of-the-art centre be built on the existing site. I understand that Moyle District Council wants to protect the revenue streams that it receives from car parking and operation of the site, which is only to be expected.

I also told the council that I supported what it wanted to do because, like the representatives of the area, I was paying particular attention to the council’s wishes. There are several funding sources. There is the plan of action on rural tourism, for example. The Environment and Heritage Service is interested, as is the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. There may also be a European dimension. A range of potential funding is available. Unfortunately, considerable time was lost because of the best value exercise, which held progress back somewhat.

The council has decided only in the past few weeks that it wants to proceed. Indeed, my officials will meet the council tomorrow. We are anxious to move forward. It is the largest attraction on the island. It has huge potential, and we must make progress. I am very keen that we get it right. Many people are coming into the market with other ideas, and the council should co-operate with the Department in getting the matter started. I hope that it will be possible to commission work soon, and I reiterate my support for the council’s intentions.