NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
An inquisitive Northern Ireland tourist recently asked of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in a Freedom of Information request, if in light of the current rumoured allegedly serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust, whether or not, the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retained full confidence in the ability of the National Trust to carry out to it's successful conclusion the Giants Causeway project; bearing in mind of course, that £9.25 million of taxpayers money has been reportedly channelled into the aforementioned project?
Following is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) reply to the aforementioned inquisitive tourist:
'Thank you for your e-mail of 19 January to Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the National Trust and the Giant's Causeway project. The Minister has read your correspondence and has asked me to reply on her behalf.
Work is currently underway on the development of new visitor facilities at the Giants Causeway. Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work on site is progressing well. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
The Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) is an exemplar of good governance. NITB as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. GCVE to date has progressed successfully through stage 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northem lreland’s premier driving route the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR).
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board.
A recent press release stated that total project costs of £18.5m included taxpayer contribution of £9.25m. In fact the funding mix, managed by NITB, is made up of £3.125m Govemment financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. National Trust will provide £6.25m and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and certain that every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant's Causeway.'
Note that rather than declaring the National Trust retained the implicit support of DETI Minister Arlene Foster, the DETI Spin Doctors decided instead to spin a web of utter meaningless drivel, so nothing has changed at the DETI either.
The question; does the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retain full confidence in the National Trust Northern Ireland, has not actually been answered, so what should be read into this omission?
Maybe rightly or wrongly, reading between the lines, it could be assumed the DETI Spin Doctors are actually stating Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister Arlene Foster of the DUP, does not wish to be implicated in anything untoward allegedly rumoured to be involving the National Trust, and that she personally does not Trust the National Trust either!
Perhaps we should now invite the Minister to Join The Club!
NdTNI Northern Ireland Tourists National disTrust National Trust Northern Ireland!
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million?
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
It's been allegedly said that in politics a noble lie is a myth or untruth, which is all very well for those people with no concept of what actually constitutes the truth, those same people who have long since lost the ability of distinguishing between the telling of the truth and the incessant telling of untruths. There are people so habitually accustomed to telling untruths, that to them a bare faced blatant lie is their unwavering version of the truth for consumption by the 'peasants' of Northern Ireland. Those same recession torpedoed 'peasants' whose money keeps the privileged untouchables in the ivory tower extravagant life style to which they have allegedly become much to accustomed.
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million? The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland), were asked over at whatdotheyknow.com if it could be established whether in light of news that the National Trust Northern Ireland is allegedly rumoured to be operating at a significant annual deficit in Northern Ireland, the current rumoured allegations of alleged rumours of alleged serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust including alleged rumours of alleged misrepresentation for financial gain, and rumours of an allegedly rumoured investigation, did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project, is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended?
Following is the reply to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request as received from Tourism Policy Branch of the DETI, otherwise known as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: ' In terms of investment in the Giant’s Causeway Project, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice, will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) to date has progressed successfully through stages 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB views GCVE as an exemplar of good governance. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northern Ireland’s premier driving route, the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR). Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work onsite is progressing well. NITB is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board and funders forum. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant’s Causeway.
By way of clarification I should point out that the £9.25m funding managed by NITB is made up of £3.125m Government financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. The National Trust will provide £6.25m towards the project and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m.'
Any Spin Bowler would be proud of the amount of spin in the foregoing response from the DETI, but please do note the actual query; did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended, were not actually answered, so presumably the answer is a resounding - NO!
It's been allegedly said that in politics a noble lie is a myth or untruth, which is all very well for those people with no concept of what actually constitutes the truth, those same people who have long since lost the ability of distinguishing between the telling of the truth and the incessant telling of untruths. There are people so habitually accustomed to telling untruths, that to them a bare faced blatant lie is their unwavering version of the truth for consumption by the 'peasants' of Northern Ireland. Those same recession torpedoed 'peasants' whose money keeps the privileged untouchables in the ivory tower extravagant life style to which they have allegedly become much to accustomed.
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million? The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland), were asked over at whatdotheyknow.com if it could be established whether in light of news that the National Trust Northern Ireland is allegedly rumoured to be operating at a significant annual deficit in Northern Ireland, the current rumoured allegations of alleged rumours of alleged serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust including alleged rumours of alleged misrepresentation for financial gain, and rumours of an allegedly rumoured investigation, did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project, is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended?
Following is the reply to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request as received from Tourism Policy Branch of the DETI, otherwise known as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: ' In terms of investment in the Giant’s Causeway Project, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice, will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) to date has progressed successfully through stages 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB views GCVE as an exemplar of good governance. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northern Ireland’s premier driving route, the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR). Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work onsite is progressing well. NITB is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board and funders forum. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant’s Causeway.
By way of clarification I should point out that the £9.25m funding managed by NITB is made up of £3.125m Government financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. The National Trust will provide £6.25m towards the project and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m.'
Any Spin Bowler would be proud of the amount of spin in the foregoing response from the DETI, but please do note the actual query; did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended, were not actually answered, so presumably the answer is a resounding - NO!
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
National Trust Professional Construction Company?
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
Stupid question, but does any of the two photographs taken in January showing construction of new facilities at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspire confidence in even the most optimistic person?
Do these images represent the work of dilligent professional building contractors who know what they're doing, or the work of amateur volunteers who know not what they do? Gilbert-Ash N.I. Ltd the construction company awarded the contract to build a new visitors' centre at the North Coast Quarry Attraction presumably decided the Castle Ward Caravan Park new site updates were out of their league, therefore was rumoured to have refrained from tendering for the huge contract. When 'completed' will this new 'construction' pass an Inspection by Health and Safety Officials, and officials from Downpatrick Regional Planning Office? Would you as a responsible caring parent permit your child to enter the 'completed' construction?
Remember the December 2010 communication from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park proudly proclaiming how delighted they were to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, which turned out to be something other than the truth, how unusual for the National Trust! Remember also the new site updates as mentioned in the same communication of December 2010?
Should the National Trust receive a 4 Star Rating from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the honest hard working experienced owners of safe, immaculate, honestly operated, genuine 2 Star, and 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Approved Caravan Parks throughout Northern Ireland will be asking serious searching questions of the NITB, and expecting truthful answers regarding the validity of the now meaningless NITB Grading Scheme.
Stupid question, but does any of the two photographs taken in January showing construction of new facilities at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspire confidence in even the most optimistic person?
Do these images represent the work of dilligent professional building contractors who know what they're doing, or the work of amateur volunteers who know not what they do? Gilbert-Ash N.I. Ltd the construction company awarded the contract to build a new visitors' centre at the North Coast Quarry Attraction presumably decided the Castle Ward Caravan Park new site updates were out of their league, therefore was rumoured to have refrained from tendering for the huge contract. When 'completed' will this new 'construction' pass an Inspection by Health and Safety Officials, and officials from Downpatrick Regional Planning Office? Would you as a responsible caring parent permit your child to enter the 'completed' construction?Remember the December 2010 communication from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park proudly proclaiming how delighted they were to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, which turned out to be something other than the truth, how unusual for the National Trust! Remember also the new site updates as mentioned in the same communication of December 2010?Should the National Trust receive a 4 Star Rating from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the honest hard working experienced owners of safe, immaculate, honestly operated, genuine 2 Star, and 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Approved Caravan Parks throughout Northern Ireland will be asking serious searching questions of the NITB, and expecting truthful answers regarding the validity of the now meaningless NITB Grading Scheme.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
2 Star or NOT 2 Star? NOT CastleWard Caravan Park
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has confirmed the Castle Ward Caravan Park as owned and operated by the National Trust, does NOT have the 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating that the National Trust proclaimed they were so delighted to have received back in December 2010.
Since then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed that the aforementioned National Trust owned and operated Castle Ward Caravan Park did NOT have a 2 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating either, NOT for many years, since 2004 to be more precise. This despite the fact the National Trust has been proudly displaying their Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2 Star Rating at the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as the two photographs taken in January 2011, clearly show.
Whether in the eyes of the law this is blatant fraud or not remains to be seen, many tourists though rightly allegedly believe they were at best misled by the National Trust for the sole purpose of financial gain, since 2004. Last year the 60% increase in fees was allegedly to bring the prices in line with other comparable sites in the area. Where are these other UNGRADED, UNRATED comparable sites in the area?
And what about the part played by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in this nasty little plot to allegedly deceive tourists? The NITB are fully aware of the fact unsuspecting innocent tourists are now alleging fraud, that they were conned into believing the CastleWard Caravan Park had been 2 Star Graded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board when it hadn't for many years, and furthermore they were then led to believe the CastleWard Caravan Park had received a 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Grading for 2011.
Should the Northern Ireland Tourist Board now fully explain the reasons that has led them to be satisfied with this despicable treatment of TOURISTS by the National Trust in Northern Ireland? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive a full unreserved public apology from the National Trust? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now have their fees returned, and receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has confirmed the Castle Ward Caravan Park as owned and operated by the National Trust, does NOT have the 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating that the National Trust proclaimed they were so delighted to have received back in December 2010.
Since then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed that the aforementioned National Trust owned and operated Castle Ward Caravan Park did NOT have a 2 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating either, NOT for many years, since 2004 to be more precise. This despite the fact the National Trust has been proudly displaying their Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2 Star Rating at the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as the two photographs taken in January 2011, clearly show.Whether in the eyes of the law this is blatant fraud or not remains to be seen, many tourists though rightly allegedly believe they were at best misled by the National Trust for the sole purpose of financial gain, since 2004. Last year the 60% increase in fees was allegedly to bring the prices in line with other comparable sites in the area. Where are these other UNGRADED, UNRATED comparable sites in the area?
And what about the part played by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in this nasty little plot to allegedly deceive tourists? The NITB are fully aware of the fact unsuspecting innocent tourists are now alleging fraud, that they were conned into believing the CastleWard Caravan Park had been 2 Star Graded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board when it hadn't for many years, and furthermore they were then led to believe the CastleWard Caravan Park had received a 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Grading for 2011.
Should the Northern Ireland Tourist Board now fully explain the reasons that has led them to be satisfied with this despicable treatment of TOURISTS by the National Trust in Northern Ireland? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive a full unreserved public apology from the National Trust? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now have their fees returned, and receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
Monday, 7 February 2011
Experience National disTrust Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park Experience
NdTNI - Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust
Opening soon, where some mountains allegedly sweep down to the magically mythical sea of Landire, subject to planning permission not being applied for, or granted by the NdTNI Alien Planning Police, the all new singing dancing National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park on Planet Ballykaziyermaun, subject to receiving R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) from the Ballykaziyermaun Tourist Plank for the purposes of excavating a newly disused quarry nearly next to the Sea of the Innersanctum of Tranquillity.
The new pricing structure for the all new Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park Declassified but deRatified by the Ballykaziyermaun Tourist Plank, is as follows:
One Spacecraft Landing Zone Area - R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) The price includes an allowance for 2 disease free Aliens.
Additionally each Alien Offspring will be charged an additional R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) per tentacle.
Additionally there will be an additional compulsory charge of R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) per Alien Unit for the purpose of experiencing the Great Ballykaziyermaun experience of non-existence existence experience.
Opening Hours: BKYM Time Zone 9.25 Planet Hours to BKYM Time Zone 9.25 Planet Hours.
Non-recession proof Alien peasants can make use of the alternative entrance scheme by entering the Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park via the Planet Anus entrance.
All other fee paying Alien peasants will be CLICKERED in to the Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park and possibly CLICKERED out as being CLICKERED in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and Damn! CLICKER burnt out CLICKERING. What Alien peasant purchased CLICKERS from Planet Cheapjunkproducts.com?
Some unknown misinformed facts about National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun, and Planet Ballykaziyermaun.
Population Grand Total of Planet Ballykaziyermaun Alien Residents = 9.25 Million
Membership Grand Total of National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun Registered Alien Peasant Members = 925
Grand Total of Registered Alien Peasant Members Experiencing Ballykaziyermaun Experience Parks Daily = 925.925 Million
(Slight discrepancies in any allegedly rumoured illegitimate rumouredly alleged inflated figures should be ignored as being inflated with faulty over enthusiastic Ballykaziyermaun Alien peasant pumper management thingy.)
Grand Total Annual Loss Making Non-Profits = R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles)
Memo to Ballykaziyermaun Alien Peasant Clicker Orderer: Order more CLICKERS!
Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is known to be true therefore it might be true, it might not be, or it could only be speculative conjecture as related by a fully conscripted Alien Member of the National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun
Opening soon, where some mountains allegedly sweep down to the magically mythical sea of Landire, subject to planning permission not being applied for, or granted by the NdTNI Alien Planning Police, the all new singing dancing National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park on Planet Ballykaziyermaun, subject to receiving R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) from the Ballykaziyermaun Tourist Plank for the purposes of excavating a newly disused quarry nearly next to the Sea of the Innersanctum of Tranquillity.
The new pricing structure for the all new Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park Declassified but deRatified by the Ballykaziyermaun Tourist Plank, is as follows:
One Spacecraft Landing Zone Area - R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) The price includes an allowance for 2 disease free Aliens.
Additionally each Alien Offspring will be charged an additional R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) per tentacle.
Additionally there will be an additional compulsory charge of R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles) per Alien Unit for the purpose of experiencing the Great Ballykaziyermaun experience of non-existence existence experience.
Opening Hours: BKYM Time Zone 9.25 Planet Hours to BKYM Time Zone 9.25 Planet Hours.
Non-recession proof Alien peasants can make use of the alternative entrance scheme by entering the Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park via the Planet Anus entrance.
All other fee paying Alien peasants will be CLICKERED in to the Ballykaziyermaun 4 Star Spacecraft Park and possibly CLICKERED out as being CLICKERED in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and in, and Damn! CLICKER burnt out CLICKERING. What Alien peasant purchased CLICKERS from Planet Cheapjunkproducts.com?
Some unknown misinformed facts about National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun, and Planet Ballykaziyermaun.
Population Grand Total of Planet Ballykaziyermaun Alien Residents = 9.25 Million
Membership Grand Total of National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun Registered Alien Peasant Members = 925
Grand Total of Registered Alien Peasant Members Experiencing Ballykaziyermaun Experience Parks Daily = 925.925 Million
(Slight discrepancies in any allegedly rumoured illegitimate rumouredly alleged inflated figures should be ignored as being inflated with faulty over enthusiastic Ballykaziyermaun Alien peasant pumper management thingy.)
Grand Total Annual Loss Making Non-Profits = R9.25 Million (Ballykaziyermaun Rubles)
Memo to Ballykaziyermaun Alien Peasant Clicker Orderer: Order more CLICKERS!
Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is known to be true therefore it might be true, it might not be, or it could only be speculative conjecture as related by a fully conscripted Alien Member of the National disTrust of Ballykaziyermaun
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Why Do We Need The Northern Ireland Tourist Board When We Have The National Trust?
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust
Over at what do they know . com an obviously already irate tourist now seems to have taken umbrage with the response he received to a Freedom of Information request. In light of the ongoing saga of the National Trust having claimed they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating for their CastleWard Caravan Park which turned out to have been totally untrue, a more than valid question was asked of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board by the aforementioned irate tourist.
What action had asked the irate tourist, would the Northern Ireland Tourist Board be taking against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had received a 4Star NITB grading when they clearly had not, and the existence of an alleged 2Star NITB Rating had also been questioned. In reply the NITB stated the Manager of the CastleWard Caravan Park, had been spoken to, and he had confirmed that the email they issued should not have included any reference to a star rating and that they would not be issuing any documentation or promoting a star rating until an inspection has taken place and an official notification of a star rating has been given.
Not exactly what the National Trust clarification email/letter from of 19th January 2011 said with lashings of ambiguity, and what about the new site updates that hadn't materialised either?
Nonetheless the Northern Ireland Tourist Board say they are now satisfied that this matter has now been resolved, which is all very well, but are any of the many irate tourists satisfied, many of whom feel they have been conned by the National Trust? No, they most certainly are not in the least satisfied with the stance taken by the allegedly toothless feeble Northern Ireland Tourist Board, but then again, what exactly can the NITB actually do about the allegedly all powerful National Trust?
Very soon, some suspect the National Trust will achieve what they've been allegedly rumoured to be allegedly vying for, the demise of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, after all, who needs the NITB when the National Trust is allegedly rumoured to be allegedly promoting itself as the alternative. A relaxing walk through our pleasant countryside would, it might be alleged, very soon be affordable only by those rich enough to pay the exorbitant 'air that I breathe' fees as would allegedly be imposed by the new regime. Not such an exaggeration some might say, for haven't they already allegedly taken over a sizeable portion of the Province, so what or who will stop them from capturing the remaining few acres, and the air that we breathe?
In their response to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request the Northern Ireland Tourist Board more than once refers to the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as 'premises' which leads us the website of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where it states: 'Under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, all 'premises' in Northern Ireland offering tourist accommodation must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).'
The NITB furthermore declares: 'NITB aims to provide advice and guidance to encourage world class visitor servicing in the tourism industry. This includes delivering a level of service which meets and exceeds the expectations of all visitors. This also involves the provision of excellent information and facilities.'
Fine noble words from an organisation allegedly losing the battle for supremacy of the Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, and does the provision of excellent information and facilities translate into the National Trust being given carte blanche to falsely claim during December 2010: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating. New site updates include the following: Improvement of shower facilities (now separate female cubicles), New laundry facilities (token operated washer and tumble dryers), New indoor hot water washroom facilities, A small onsite shop. A new wide entrance with one way system for easy access, A new drive-on drainage post for camper vans’
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, is an organisation that surely has, if not a legal duty to protect unsuspecting innocent tourists from alleged shysters, from wherever they might appear, most certainly they should have an alleged moral duty to do so, though before passing judgement it would most likely be prudent to establish if in fact they had any morals.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating Scheme has been shown to be nothing more than a meaningless worthless charade not to be trusted by any right thinking tourist. Can we ever again Trust the Northern Ireland Tourist Board?
Over at what do they know . com an obviously already irate tourist now seems to have taken umbrage with the response he received to a Freedom of Information request. In light of the ongoing saga of the National Trust having claimed they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating for their CastleWard Caravan Park which turned out to have been totally untrue, a more than valid question was asked of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board by the aforementioned irate tourist.
What action had asked the irate tourist, would the Northern Ireland Tourist Board be taking against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had received a 4Star NITB grading when they clearly had not, and the existence of an alleged 2Star NITB Rating had also been questioned. In reply the NITB stated the Manager of the CastleWard Caravan Park, had been spoken to, and he had confirmed that the email they issued should not have included any reference to a star rating and that they would not be issuing any documentation or promoting a star rating until an inspection has taken place and an official notification of a star rating has been given.
Not exactly what the National Trust clarification email/letter from of 19th January 2011 said with lashings of ambiguity, and what about the new site updates that hadn't materialised either?
Nonetheless the Northern Ireland Tourist Board say they are now satisfied that this matter has now been resolved, which is all very well, but are any of the many irate tourists satisfied, many of whom feel they have been conned by the National Trust? No, they most certainly are not in the least satisfied with the stance taken by the allegedly toothless feeble Northern Ireland Tourist Board, but then again, what exactly can the NITB actually do about the allegedly all powerful National Trust?
Very soon, some suspect the National Trust will achieve what they've been allegedly rumoured to be allegedly vying for, the demise of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, after all, who needs the NITB when the National Trust is allegedly rumoured to be allegedly promoting itself as the alternative. A relaxing walk through our pleasant countryside would, it might be alleged, very soon be affordable only by those rich enough to pay the exorbitant 'air that I breathe' fees as would allegedly be imposed by the new regime. Not such an exaggeration some might say, for haven't they already allegedly taken over a sizeable portion of the Province, so what or who will stop them from capturing the remaining few acres, and the air that we breathe?
In their response to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request the Northern Ireland Tourist Board more than once refers to the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as 'premises' which leads us the website of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where it states: 'Under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, all 'premises' in Northern Ireland offering tourist accommodation must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).'
The NITB furthermore declares: 'NITB aims to provide advice and guidance to encourage world class visitor servicing in the tourism industry. This includes delivering a level of service which meets and exceeds the expectations of all visitors. This also involves the provision of excellent information and facilities.'
Fine noble words from an organisation allegedly losing the battle for supremacy of the Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, and does the provision of excellent information and facilities translate into the National Trust being given carte blanche to falsely claim during December 2010: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating. New site updates include the following: Improvement of shower facilities (now separate female cubicles), New laundry facilities (token operated washer and tumble dryers), New indoor hot water washroom facilities, A small onsite shop. A new wide entrance with one way system for easy access, A new drive-on drainage post for camper vans’
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, is an organisation that surely has, if not a legal duty to protect unsuspecting innocent tourists from alleged shysters, from wherever they might appear, most certainly they should have an alleged moral duty to do so, though before passing judgement it would most likely be prudent to establish if in fact they had any morals.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating Scheme has been shown to be nothing more than a meaningless worthless charade not to be trusted by any right thinking tourist. Can we ever again Trust the Northern Ireland Tourist Board?
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park 4Star Clarification
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust
Remember receiving the December 2010 correspondence from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which unambiguously proclaimed: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating'
Despite what can only be described as ambiguous clarification from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park in late January 2011, here is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about that Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park does NOT have nor will it have a 4Star NITB Rating or any other NITB Rating when the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park opens for the 2011 camping and caravan season, a fact that has been confirmed with clarity by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Therefore ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, sit back; relax whilst a tale of woe is told. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has most kindly confirmed with some authority the following. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has not been a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme for many years, therefore the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Strangford, has for many years, including 2010, been an ungraded, unrated camping and caravan park, except perhaps in the minds of those much superior beings looking down upon the 'peasants' of the land.
The Inspector for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme, visited the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 13th October 2010 and discussed improvement proposals to the facilities. The Inspector explained to the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park that NO assessment of the new facilities would be conducted until the work was complete.
The Inspector received an application by email from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 3rd January 2011 and an invoice for payment has subsequently been issued. (The payment of invoices, cheques winging their way across the celestial sphere; are topics to be revisited on another day.) Take note dear friends of the date the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied by email to the NITB with a view to joining the scheme. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park informed campers and caravan owners during December 2010 that they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, but now it has been revealed they had at that time not even applied to be considered for an NITB Rating
No inspection will be carried out until after the proposed improvements have been completed and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has reopened for the new 2011 camping and caravan season. Until that inspection is carried out and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park is deemed to meet the required standards as set out in the star grading scheme - the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park will NOT have an NITB Star rating of any numerical figure higher than ZERO.
A full copy of the required standards is available to view here on the NITB website.
Therefore, if under the illusion you would be staying at a 4Star Camping and Caravan Park, you have made a booking for the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, and paid in full as is required, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is, until such times as the NITB says otherwise, you will be staying at an UNRATED, UNGRADED by the NITB, National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which is exactly what it has been for many years.
Very obviously, any rumoured allegations of whether or not the National Trust are guilty of fraud, or attempted fraud will be for others to investigate and decide, the rest of us will have to make our own judgement, but first there will be further revelations to consider.
Remember receiving the December 2010 correspondence from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which unambiguously proclaimed: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating'
Despite what can only be described as ambiguous clarification from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park in late January 2011, here is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about that Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park does NOT have nor will it have a 4Star NITB Rating or any other NITB Rating when the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park opens for the 2011 camping and caravan season, a fact that has been confirmed with clarity by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Therefore ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, sit back; relax whilst a tale of woe is told. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has most kindly confirmed with some authority the following. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has not been a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme for many years, therefore the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Strangford, has for many years, including 2010, been an ungraded, unrated camping and caravan park, except perhaps in the minds of those much superior beings looking down upon the 'peasants' of the land.
The Inspector for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme, visited the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 13th October 2010 and discussed improvement proposals to the facilities. The Inspector explained to the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park that NO assessment of the new facilities would be conducted until the work was complete.
The Inspector received an application by email from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 3rd January 2011 and an invoice for payment has subsequently been issued. (The payment of invoices, cheques winging their way across the celestial sphere; are topics to be revisited on another day.) Take note dear friends of the date the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied by email to the NITB with a view to joining the scheme. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park informed campers and caravan owners during December 2010 that they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, but now it has been revealed they had at that time not even applied to be considered for an NITB Rating
No inspection will be carried out until after the proposed improvements have been completed and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has reopened for the new 2011 camping and caravan season. Until that inspection is carried out and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park is deemed to meet the required standards as set out in the star grading scheme - the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park will NOT have an NITB Star rating of any numerical figure higher than ZERO.
A full copy of the required standards is available to view here on the NITB website.
Therefore, if under the illusion you would be staying at a 4Star Camping and Caravan Park, you have made a booking for the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, and paid in full as is required, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is, until such times as the NITB says otherwise, you will be staying at an UNRATED, UNGRADED by the NITB, National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which is exactly what it has been for many years.
Very obviously, any rumoured allegations of whether or not the National Trust are guilty of fraud, or attempted fraud will be for others to investigate and decide, the rest of us will have to make our own judgement, but first there will be further revelations to consider.
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