Nicholson submits Freedom of Information Request to DETI and DOE over decisions made about future of Giant’s Causeway Visitors Center
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has written to the Environment Minister, Arlene Foster and the Tourism Minister, Nigel Dodds, under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, requesting information surrounding their recent announcements on the future of the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre.
Mr Nicholson has specifically requested that the Department of the Environment provide him with all documentation surrounding the Minster’s decision to be “of a mind to approve” Seaport Investment’s planning proposal for a visitor’s centre at the Giant’s Causeway, including the Planning Service’s advice to the Minister on Seaport Investment’s proposal and copies of any correspondence the two Ministers may have had on the issue.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said,
“No matter, where I go through Europe and the rest of the world people always talk about the Giants Causeway and how lucky Northern Ireland is to have such a unique and wonderful site. Without question, it is the jewel in Northern Ireland’s tourism crown. A word class tourist attraction requires a world – class visitor’s centre.
“However, such a visitor’s centre should be in public hands for the common good of all in our community. I have very serious concerns about the road the Minister is going down.
“I have requested information from both DOE and DETI, which I feel, given the circumstances and the public interest in the issue, is absolutely essential to obtain, both for transparency and accountability in Government and for gaining a clearer understanding of why both Ministers have arrived at the decisions they have.”