Tourism boost fortown

The facility was only opened two months this year but there was big interest from visitors and now opening is to be extended throughout the main tourism season but not for all year.

Council Vice-Chairperson, Cllr Robert McIlroy (DUP), wants to see money spent on developing a full-time centre.

TUV councillor Sharon McKillop said she would like to see tourism facilities across Moyle improved and asked the Council to engage with Bushmills Traders Association regarding tourism initiatives.

Ulster Unionist councillor Sandra Hunter said she would like to see the tourism facility opened all year round in Bushmills but did not believe they have reached that stage yet.

Cllr Padraig McShane (Independent) said previous plans for a half million pounds tourism facility in Bushmills failed after funding was not secured from the Department of Trade and Industry and said it was not the fault of Moyle Council.

Cllr Colum Thompson (Sinn Fein) said it would be “irresponsible” to suggest that Moyle Council alone put up the half million.

Cllr Donal Cunningham (SDLP) said the debate showed the “madness” of Moyle Council in that they were wandering into the area of decision-making without facts and figures before them.