AQO 38/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 08/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to outline his plans for the future of Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre and ability café.

Answer:

I am very aware of the importance of my Department’s state care monuments to local communities and their role in attracting visitors.

I am equally aware of the importance of supporting people with disabilities to move closer, into and sustain employment through a range or pre-employment and in-work support provision.

Both of these elements of my Department’s responsibilities come together with regard to Ballycopeland Windmill, a state care monument where Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) manage the facilities including the Ability Cafe.

The challenge of finding a viable operating model for the site, within a difficult budgetary environment, is one that I have instructed my officials to examine further. They are assembling a business case to assess a number of options.

I anticipate that this work will be complete by the end of February.

Decisions following the review may at that stage remain subject to confirmation of budget for 24/25.