NI Department of Environment officials flocked to Rathlin Island, off the coast of Antrim yesterday, for the launch of a new RSPB Seabird Centre, presided over by Minister Arlene Foster.

Located near Bull Point at the west side of the island, the Seabird Centre is adapted from the lighthouse buildings and offers visitors spectacular views of some quarter of a million seabirds nesting on the sea stacks of Kebble Nature Reserve.



Minister Foster, officially opening the centre, said: "A visit to this centre provides a truly memorable day out. I believe that everyone who comes here, whether they are bird enthusiasts or not, will be enthralled by the spectacle of so many seabirds - some at such close quarters."

"The friendly welcome and excellent interpretation with access to high-powered telescopes should win support for the environment even from those with little prior interest," said Ms Foster.

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The centre is a co-operative project, with buy-in from the Commissioners for Irish Lights, Environment and Heritage Service, the Planning Service, NI Water, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and, the islanders. 



"The current arrangement whereby the RSPB has adapted the lighthouse buildings themselves as their Seabird Centre exemplifies very nicely the theme of the recent EHS Conference on Heritage and Regeneration by finding an excellent use for redundant parts of the lighthouse, which itself forms a fascinating part of the visitor experience," said the Minister.

Ms Foster commended the architectural work undertaken at the centre: "I also commend the RSPB and its architects and builders on the design of the new reception building. The dramatic use of stone in this setting is most impressive."

The Minister, commenting on the spectacular cliffs, raised concerns about the decline of seabirds, which she attributed to climate change. 



"Let's enjoy the amazing spectacle of the seabirds here on this remarkable island. Such a splendid sight may inspire us to ensure that our children and our grandchildren will be able to come here and thrill at the sights, sounds and smells that we are experiencing here today," Minister Foster concluded.

(PR/JM)