Setting fire to Portaferry aquarium a new low for vandals, says councillor
VANDALS have “sunk to a new low” in Portaferry after a fire was lit at the Exploris aquarium in the town.
The fire, which is being treated as suspicious, was set at the gates of the building at just after 7pm on Saturday.
The owner of the Co Down aquarium, Kieran Quinn, said it had endangered the lives of both people and animals.
Posting on Facebook, he said: “It’s time we stop this.
“After over three years of anti-social behaviour in Exploris, it has resulted in danger to lives. Both human and our animals.
“Just 30 minutes ago youths are seen running from a fire started deliberately at Exploris.
“We have had attempted robberies, continuous trespassing, young people assaulted, etc.
“But it still continues,” he added.
More than 500 people had replied to Mr Quinn’s post by last night, mostly to express their sympathy and solidarity.
Exploris had been threatened with permanent closure in 2013, and was closed for two years before reopening in 2016 after a £2m investment.
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said the people of Portaferry and the wider community had “fought hard to not only save Exploris but promote it as one of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attractions”.
“To see local young people determined to cause damage and destruction at this location brings the anti-social behaviour in Portaferry to a new low.
“I plead with parents to be aware of where their children are and I ask the young people themselves to wise up and stop this destruction before it is too late, and you end up with a criminal record.
“Thankfully none of the animals were harmed, but if this fire had spread to the building itself, we could be talking today about serious consequences.
“I have spoken with the management of Exploris and will be meeting with the PSNI to discuss what can be done to prevent any repeat.
“I urge anyone with information to take it to the police.
“It is vital we put a stop to this now before it goes too far.”
SDLP councillor Joe Boyle also condemned the vandalism.
“I would appeal to the community and in particular parents to check where their children are and who they’re with,” he posted on Facebook.
“Outside of this wanton vandalism these young people also run the risk of injuring, perhaps seriously injuring, themselves being involved with this activity.
“This anti-social behaviour needs to stop immediately.”