Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 

Aquarium proposed for Ned’s Point Fort 14.10.08

by Damian Dowds, Inishowen Independent

AN AMBITIOUS plan for the redevelopment of Ned’s Point Fort as a major tourist attraction was presented at last week’s Buncrana Town Council meeting.
Terry Coyle, project manager of the North West Film Archive at the Nerve Centre in Derry, made a presentation to councillors that mapped out ambitious plans for the old fort, including the development of a small aquarium, the utilisation of existing trails and nature walks, the creation of multi-media displays and an education centre for local schools. The proposals also contain a café and rest point and facilities for visiting bird watchers.
The plans were drawn up by Mr Coyle and John Quinn of ASI architects in Derry.
Shore walk at Ned's Point Fort. Describing Ned’s Point potential to become an “A-one world class model for how tourism should operate in the 21 century”, Mr Coyle said that travel companies had indicated a willingness to add Buncrana to their list of destinations should such a centre be developed.
Councillors were interested in and supportive of the proposals,
but admitted that issues regarding leasing the fort and the type of entity formed to run such a centre would have to be further discussed. The fort has been identified as an ‘opportunity site’ in the Buncrana and environs development plan 2008-14.
Council officials suggested that Mr Coyle seek funding from the county enterprise board to carry out a feasibility study.
The fort at Ned’s Point was built by the British navy in 1812 and remodelled in 1896. Walkways leading to and from the fort are popular with locals and visitors alike and a survey carried out by Mr Coyle found that up to 240 people per hour passed by the fort at weekends.
However, the fort and surrounding area have also become notorious for anti-social activities and a delegation of residents from Porthaw met with the council 18 months ago to outline the scale of the problem.
Return to > Top Stories    > News    > Home