RSPB’s award-winning seabird centre creating jobs in Northern Ireland

November 2010: There is cause for a double celebration for Rathlin Island's primary tourist attraction. Visitor numbers at the RSPB's Seabird Centre almost doubled over the past three years. The centre was also the recipient of a prestigious Tourism Award from NITB.

MAIN ATTRACTION: The stunning cliffs of Rathlin Island have proven a draw for over 17,000 visitors at the RSPB's Seabird Visitors Centre.

Gregory Woulahan, RSPB Reserves Manager, said: ‘Almost 17,000 people went to the Seabird Visitors' Centre this year, which is nearly 7,000 more than when it first opened its doors in 2007. The wildlife attraction reopened in 2007 after a major revamp which was funded by Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust.

‘This means that 17,000 people have had the incredible privilege of seeing one of the best bird spectacles in the UK. RSPB has always championed the importance of the Island's wildlife, but it also makes a massive contribution to the island's economy.'

Up to 40 volunteers help every summer

He added: ‘The RSPB employs three staff during the spring and summer when the bird spectacle is at its height. Throughout the seabird breeding season up to 40 volunteers give their time to work at this very special place. It is estimated that tourist spend at the Seabird Centre and other RSPB activities accounts for almost 10 FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs on the Island.

Gregory added: ‘It is also vital to remember that the environment in Northern Ireland sustains over 32,700 jobs and continued funding and support for it will help not just our wildlife but our people as well.'

Chairman of NITB, Howard Hastings said: ‘The income attracted from tourism is a key driver for the Northern Ireland economy. On Rathlin, tourism spend helps provide a sustainable source of income on Northern Ireland's only inhabited island.'

The RSPB is one of many partners signed up to NITB's One Voice One Team campaign which seeks to create more opportunities for visitors to spend when they are in Northern Ireland.

‘We hope that Rathlin's Seabird Centre goes from strength to strength. The island leads the way in showing how development and the environment can go hand in hand,' said Mr Hastings.