Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Gosford castle, Markethill, was registered as an hotel; when it ceased to be registered as an hotel; which public grants and loans it received; and what were the conditions of this public funding.
§ Dr. MawhinneyGosford castle, Markethill was registered with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as an hotel from 28 February 1984 until 31 March 1986.
Between June 1983 and July 1985 grant aid was paid for general repairs and maintenance totalling £34,797. On 12 May 1989, following a change of ownership, further grant aid in respect of its status as a listed historic building was offered totalling £17,630, of which Gosford Castle Ltd. received £6,574.21, the balance being paid to the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, under the Payment of Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (NI) 1971, in respect of rates arrears.
All grants were paid under the Planning (NI) Order 1972 articles 31–36.