McClarty calls for emergency financial action for Portrush

The East Londonderry MLA took the opportunity to question the Minister of Finance Sammy Wilson on the matter.

Mr McClarty told the Times: “I asked the Minister that given the importance of Portrush and the Causeway Coast to Northern Ireland’s overall tourism provision, does the Minister not accept that emergency financial action by the Executive is required beyond the Portrush regeneration scheme given that the town was ranked 56th out of 59 in a recent UK- wide survey of seaside resorts?

“This is a terrible state of affairs for Northern Ireland’s Premier seaside resort, and there is no doubt whatsoever that major investment is required to ensure that Portrush and the wider Causeway Coast area continues to attract visitors and encourage them, to return.

“In fairness to the Minister, he did accept that there was “a lot of dereliction in Portrush, especially on the Main Street” and it is hard to argue with that.

“I myself shall continue to press for investment in all parts of East Londonderry Constituency including Portrush, which should be one of the jewels in the crown of Northern Ireland tourism, but is sadly in need of much work to restore it to its former glory.”