Ocean Centre would be a “major hit”

Inishowen County Councillors have been urged to work together and make an ocean centre at Malin Head a “flagship project” for the entire peninsula.

Emmett Johnston of Malin Head Ocean Centre Ltd undertook a presentation at the Inishowen Municipal District meeting last week, at which he outlined the hopes and plans for the facility.

Mr Johnston said the “world-class centre,” incorporating an education visitors’ centre and research laboratory, would cement Inishowen’s status as an internationally significant location for marine biology and heritage while also furthering research in this field.

He added it would also enhance marine education and ecology, attract tourism, and create a world-class experience for local, national and international visitors.

Malin Head Ocean Centre Ltd is a not for profit body which aims to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of the marine environment at a centre at Malin Head.

Mr Johnston said the location and Inishowen itself was ideally suited for such a facility, due to its internationally-significant marine biology and heritage, particularly its unusual Oceanic front.

“We have a very good marine brand,” he said.

“All these things come together in Malin Head.”

Mr Johnston said they aimed to ensure that educational facility would be visited by every pupil in Inishowen and would create 10-20 high end jobs and other seasonal positions.

He added: “We want to change Inishowen from a hidden destination to somewhere everyone knows about.It’s about bringing people across from the Giant’s Causeway over to here, building on the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to put this centre as one of the top destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way.”

The councillors heaped praise on the plans with Councillor Martin McDermott stating it was “one of the biggest and most important projects” the Council should be looking at.

He added: ““I think this is something that could really bring Inishowen to a new level in terms of people coming into Inishowen. This could be a major, major hit.”