An Ulster Unionist Party amendment to a motion in the Assembly on the future of Exploris was successful last night.
The Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Strangford MLA, Mike Nesbitt, expressed great concern at the original motion put forward by Alliance as it did not clearly commit the Executive to intervene.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“I am keen to pay tribute to all the volunteers and local people supporting Exploris who undoubtedly will play a vital role in its new and dynamic future, my Party colleague and prospective Council candidate, Richard Smart, for his tireless campaigning and of course the knowledgeable staff of Exploris who have provided inspiration in this important vote.’
“While the motion does not put a legislative obligation on an Executive Minister to fund the visitor attraction, it does show the great will and desire amongst the majority of MLAs that the Executive should help to save this unique facility in the 7th most deprived rural area in Northern Ireland.’
Ulster Unionist Party prospective Council Candidate for Newtownards, Richard Smart, said ‘I have been overwhelmed by the willingness of all involved in the campaign to give up their own time and effort to secure a sustainable future for Exploris’.
"I and my party will continue to keep the pressure on the Stormont Executive to provide regional support to this facility that showcases so much of the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough to people across Northern Ireland and beyond.'