Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has said he hopes news that a new science fiction movie will be filmed at Carrickfergus Castle will act as a spur for attracting more tourists to the Castle and to East Antrim in general.
A new science fiction-based movie produced by Mark Huffam, called ‘Our Robot Overlords’ will be filmed at Carrickfergus Castle. ‘Game of Thrones’ continues has been filmed at several East Antrim locations including Mageramorne and Cairncastle. A second series of BBC crime drama The Fall will be filmed in Northern Ireland, and Universal’s Studios have announced that it is going to make a new version of ‘Dracula’ in Northern Ireland
Speaking during question time yesterday, Mr Beggs said:
“I welcome the news that some will benefit from the fantastic heritage of Carrickfergus Castle, but many believe that Carrickfergus and, indeed, Northern Ireland is not fully benefiting from the tourist potential that exists there. What is the Minister doing along with her colleagues in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Ulster Museum and its artefacts, local government and any other relevant agency to ensure that they work in partnership and maximise that potential in the tourist offering so that more people will go there?”
Replying on behalf of the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Tourism Minister Arlene foster said:
“Carrickfergus Castle absolutely provides us with a great focus for tourism in that area, but there is much more happening there. I am pleased to see the progress that has been made on the Gobbins path, for example, and the fact that the local council is proceeding with the project. The Member will know that, under INTERREG IVa, a considerable amount of money has been made available from my Department to see that path brought back to life. We very much look forward to that being something that will attract even more visitors to east Antrim on what is one of the most beautiful drives, from Carrickfergus right the way up to the north Antrim coast. We look forward to everyone promoting it in as positive a way as possible.”
ENDS
