Monday, September 10, 2007
“It would not be a prudent use of taxpayers’ money to proceed further in the circumstances..”
The winning architectural design for the proposed Visitor’s Centre at the Giant’s Causeway was announced in October 2005 and, presumably, that’s what they still intend to build [Adds or perhaps not..]. But the question of who is to build it looks like being another battle-ground within the NI Executive.. and outside as well. On Saturday SF MLA Daithí McKay complained about the delay, today we have a quick one-two of statements from the DUP representatives in the Executive - firstly from the Environment Minister Arlene Foster, and then from DETI Minister Nigel Dodds. The upshot of which seems to be that their preferred choice is for a private development company, Seaport Investments Ltd, to take on the project.. and the costs involved in building it. BBC report here Update SF’s Daithí McKay wants clarification from the DUP.. and the BBC have just reported that Seymour Sweeney, of Seaport Investments Ltd, has confirmed he is a member of the DUP and signed nomination papers for a councillor in Moyle, but he also stated that he has not donated “a penny piece” to the party. [added link and photo of Mr Sweeney with Ian Paisley Snr and Jnr] And another link with this quote from Environment Minister Arlene Foster [statement here]
Updated From a 2003 UNESCO-IUCN report on the Giant’s Causeway [PDF file]“A minister, when making decisions, cannot and should not investigate party affiliations of applicants, and I did not do so in this case,” the minister said. “I do not know the applicant, have never met him, and know nothing about him. “If anyone impugns my integrity in this matter I will be seeking legal advice and will act accordingly.”
However, a number of potential threats exist, including development proposals, which could threaten the values and the integrity of the site. None of these proposals have been through the full planning process and have been approved. No approval should be given without reviewing a proposed development within the context of the protection and safeguarding of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the World Heritage site and its management.
From the Environment Minister Arlene Foster
The Minister said: “I have recently received a report from the Planning Service on a planning application by Seaport Investments Ltd for a new Visitor and Study Centre at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site. I have given this report my fullest consideration and have also taken the opportunity to visit the site.
“Having done so, I have concluded that there is considerable merit in what is proposed and I am of a mind to approve it. I have asked my officials to engage with the developer and key local stakeholders on some aspects of the proposal so that I can make a formal decision on it at the earliest opportunity.”
The Minister added: “I am of course conscious that this announcement will have implications for the public sector proposal which has been under development by DETI and the NITB but which has not yet led to a planning application. I understand that my colleague, Nigel Dodds, will be making a separate statement on this issue.”
And from the Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds
The Minister went on to explain what this decision meant for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Boards’ proposals for developing a visitor centre; he said: “The Department and NITB became involved as a potential developer of last resort. This was at the request of the key stakeholders who were unable, over an extended period of time, to reach agreement.”
The Minister continued: “It would not be a prudent use of taxpayers’ money to proceed further in the circumstances, given Minister Foster’s position on the private sector planning application. The DETI/NITB project would cost in excess of £21million.
“The people of Northern Ireland will no doubt look to all local stakeholders to work constructively to deliver the facilities expected by visitors to this magnificent tourism asset.”
Pete Baker @ 03:03 PM
Gonzo,
Yes, follow the money trail. Many have suggested that the UUP should form an opposition. This murky affair is perhaps as good a reason as any to think seriously about that suggestion.
BTW, love your “Paisley Minor”. Hope you haven’t copyrighted it :0)
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 10:35 AMThe Planning Appeals Commission rejected Sweeney’s plans to ‘concrete over’ part of the old Salmon Fishery site in Portballintrae.
The following clips from the PACNI report make interesting reading:
“The applications, as originally submitted, sought to construct 12 dwellings on the site of the Salmon Cottage and neighbouring Ice House (C/2004/1393/O) together with 7 units on the adjacent the Salmon Green (C/2004/1391/O).
Amended drawings submitted to the Commission in late November 2005 proposed the construction of 5 dwellings on each site along with the retention of the Ice House which had been scheduled on 14 January 2005 under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. It is these amended schemes which are now the subject of appeal. ...
The appeal sites are positioned on an open, rocky headland which has heritage features - the Ice House, Salmon Cottage and stores and the Salmon Green. The development proposals would remove the characteristic features of the Salmon Green and the open space of the headland thereby impacting on the landscape character of the AONB at this location. As the headlands and their long views are important features of the AONB, the subject proposals would (i) have a significant adverse effect upon its landscape quality by introducing strong urban form onto a significant promontory; (ii) significantly change the character of the landscape; and (iii) remove important views. Such an approach would be unacceptable due to the national and international value of the landscape within which the appeal proposals are located.”
Proposal 1 - Knock down the Ice House
Proposal 2 - Retain the Ice House
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 11:18 AMDawkins, surely you don’t anticipate slease at the heart of our virginal political process? Aren’t ‘cute hoors’ only to be found in ‘another place’?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 11:26 AMThere’s an update to the original post
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 11:31 AMThanks, Pete:
“he also stated that he has not donated “a penny piece” to the party.”
What? No membership fee? No ‘hospitality’ or other benefits for party members?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 11:44 AMWell, who ever donates pennies. What about rectangular money?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 11:52 AMNevin,
“Dawkins, surely you don’t anticipate slease at the heart of our virginal political process?”
Hah! I ain’t the only one, mate.
“Aren’t ‘cute hoors’ only to be found in ‘another place’?”
Wot, you casting aspersions on our venerable House of Lords? :0)
Seymour Sweeney, see more sleaze—allegedly. Is this allowed, Mick?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:02 PMSo what has Seymour given to the party if not money? Favourable property rents? Hospitality? Does funding for election campaigns count? Or has anything been given indirectly, through an intermediary, or is the choice of words otherwise significant?
Something stinks.
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:16 PMAnyone know if Mr Sweeney’s application was submitted after a public tendering process? Were any other applications considered?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:22 PMA decision should be made after taking into account value for money, the environment and the National Trust.
However, as Northern Ireland is a relatively small place, it’s inevitable that people know each other. Are we going to have investigations into every major decision e.g. If a Sinn Fein IRA minister makes a decision will there be a full investigation to find out if anyone who benefited from that decision has given support in any way to Sinn Fein IRA in the past?
While the Sinn Fein IRA intelligence gathering department might post about other parties on here, their turn will come.
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:25 PMNevin,
An Article 31 application would require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and this proposal would fall into the Article 31 category.
Are you aware of an EIA having been held?
This is all very fishy.
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:33 PMP&J;"Sinn Fein IRA intelligence gathering department”
thats on the same level as labour throwing the peterloo massacre on the tories in response to the HoL allegations, that is, not relevent
don’t think so this time mate! this is actually striaghtforward policitical sleaze allegations such as you invariably get in all democracies and everyone has to come clean or cover up this time! Ah it almost feels like real politics!
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:37 PM“Are we going to have investigations into every major decision e.g. If a Sinn Fein IRA minister makes a decision will there be a full investigation to find out if anyone who benefited from that decision has given support in any way to Sinn Fein IRA in the past? “
Oh, come on ! This is a complete volte face on the provision of THE key tourist amenity in NI in which two DUP Ministers are directly involved. It favours a private company ( I notice they are limited but can’t find a listing at companies registry !)over the Charity that is also the landowner.
The owner of said private company is also a DUP member and you doubt if we have the right to ask ?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:39 PMTwo questions:
Would there be anything in the company accounts on political donations/hospitality if I bought them?
and
Is Seaport (NI) Ltd (NI025468) the same company?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 12:53 PMFS
Not sure if that is the correct company
All money transactions should be on the records if the company is legit check the annual accounts and returns
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 01:08 PMI’m running on the assumption that Seaport Investments Ltd is a private company. but why the “Ltd”.
They had a judgement in the high court last Friday on Strategic Environmental Assessments with reference to the Northern Area Plan ( along with Magherafelt BC and 5 other Developers). Effectively saying that the Planning Service was not sufficiently independent of the DOE. They were successful. Does anyone know who the other developers were ?
Judgement is at http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BD682D62-7F68-497D-9947-445B786B03C5/0/j_j_WEAC5799Final.htm
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 01:25 PMIs Sweeney being disingenuous when he says he hasn’t met Foster?
She says she visited the site of his proposed development, on land owned by Seaport.
Is the claim that Foster didn’t meet with Sweeney specifically or anyone from Seaport? Maybe Sweeney can disassociate himself from his company or not see intermediaries meeting on his behalf as notable? Might also be a handy way to claim he has never donated money to the DUP, if this is indicative of his thought process?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 02:25 PM>>While the Sinn Fein IRA intelligence gathering department might post about other parties on here, their turn will come.
Posted by PeaceandJustice on Sep 11, 2007 @ 01:25 PM<<Care to name names?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 02:51 PMSweeney has watered and wined the Paisleys at numerous times in North Antrim.
Companies house in Belfast could have some info in relation to shareholders/directors in Seaport Investments.
Do not be surprised if Oggie turns up as one of the main benificries.Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 03:17 PMArlene Foster is clearly rattled by suggestions of links between her party and Seymour Sweeney. She says in her press release today “I do not know the applicant, have never met him, and know nothing about him.” Reassuring to know that someone Ministers know nothing about is to be given the exclusive responsibility for the visitor centre at a World Heritage Site. You couldn’t make it up.
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 03:25 PMPaisley Minor was speaking in the Assembly on this very matter earlier. He has obviously decided that the best form of defence is attack; personally I think he’s under pressure. Wee Jeffrey also went off on a completely over the top personal attack on Declan O’Loan and his wife.
As for Arlene, she should have thought about the sort of company she might be keeping before she defected to the DUP, shouldn’t she?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 04:29 PMNevin, is it not the case that Paisley minor now resides in one of the apartments at Runkerry, renovated & run by Mr Sweeney?
Brian
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 04:41 PMArlene Foster may have given the impression that only one set of plans were available. If so, perhaps she could invite the National Trust to resubmit their 2001 plans:
“Ruth Laird, the director of the National Trust for Northern Ireland, said she was surprised and concerned the future of the centre was not secured.
Last month, the National Trust, which owns the natural stone phenomenon, revealed details of its plans for a state-of-the-art visitor centre with a price tag of between £8m and £10m.” .. source.
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 05:01 PMRunkerry. That was the building donated to the state for public use and later purchased by Seaport for private profit. Also at the heart of a case regarding the illegal removal of a right of way by Seaport.
And Ian Paisley lives there?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 05:04 PMFrank and Brian, Sweeney has stated, via BBC Newsline, that he sold one of his properties to Junior at ‘the full market value’. I presume he’s referring to the property at Ballyallaght mentioned further up the thread. He didn’t disclose what the value was or when - and the BBC didn’t enlighten viewers.
When you look at the image that heads the thread and Sweeney’s statement it makes you wonder why Junior was being so coy on the Nolan Show earlier today. The image appears to have been taken at the War Memorial in Bushmills during this year’s Westminster Election campaign. Why couldn’t Junior have said that Sweeney was a close acquaintance, that he had bought one of his expensive properties on the Causeway Coast? Junior’s coyness contrasts sharply with Sweeney’s openness. Can we expect further revelations from Sweeney about his relationships with members of the DUP?
Posted by on Sep 11, 2007 @ 05:57 PM
