Refurbishment work at the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, has been completed.

The aquarium is to officially open on Monday, 15 August.

It has been fully renovated as part of a joint investment of almost £2million by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Ards and North Down Borough Council and Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd, who will also be operating the facility.

-- Advertisement --

As well as new and improved enclosures for the wide range of fishes and aquatic species the aquarium previously accommodated, the new Exploris retains the seal sanctuary and incorporates specially constructed living environments for otters and, for the first time in Northern Ireland, a Nile crocodile.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen recently visited the aquarium on the shores of Strangford Lough.

She said: "I was impressed by the high quality attraction it has now become while retaining at its core an educational experience. There is something for visitors of all ages.

"My Department has invested more than £900,000 in the renovation works, and will also be making an annual contribution of up to £120,000 towards the running costs of the seal sanctuary."

(CD)