Minister Lyons considers ‘options’ for closed Millisle cafe
By Julie Waters
THERE have been fresh ‘action’ calls for the reopening of the entire Ballycopeland windmill complex after its doors were closed just before the busy summer season.
The new appeals came after Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons, whose department contributed £1.2m of the windmill’s total £1.7 m refurbishment costs, visited the site last week.
The complex closed just before the summer season began and while the historic windmill reopened, the popular cafe remains closed.
Speaking outside Ireland’s only working windmill, Mr Lyons said his department was currently looking at ‘options’ that would allow the cafe at the picturesque Millisle site to reopen.
“On my first day in office this issue was raised, (Assemblyman) Stephen Dunne made sure it was on the agenda and I know other representatives have done the same.”
“I wanted to see it (the windmill complex) for myself and I certainly see the potential. We are here to look at options and how we can take it forward.”
The refurbished windmill complex had been managed by Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL), a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities and health conditions, since it reopened in 2022.
Less than two years later, senior USEL officials told staff that their jobs at both the Ability Cafe and as tour guides were ‘at risk’ due to a ‘funding shortfall’. The cafe closure on March 31 this year was a massive blow for both the staff and the local community.
Jo Scott, Millisle and District Community Association chairwoman, welcomed the Minister’s visit but stressed it was vital the right operator for the cafe was found to prevent it ‘going belly up again’.
She said: “I think we have missed this season so I would say it is more likely to be open next year. I think it is sad but I would rather it was right instead of rushing somebody in.”
Ms Scott was keen to welcome the Minister’s visit. “We feel very positive that the Minister is doing his best and we need to get the message across that it needs to be done right.”
However she stressed: “I would be particularly keen to say to the Minister to make sure the tender documents are robust so we don’t end up in the same situation. I personally would rather they take their time to get it right than rush somebody in and it goes belly up again.”
“I have written to the Minister on numerous occasions and there are positive vibes coming from his office to have the cafe open again.”
North Down MLA Stephen Dunne said the visit was the outcome of months of discussions about the future of the site following the closure of the café.
“This site has tremendous potential as a key tourist attraction for Millisle and the surrounding area, with visitors still visiting the windmill and surrounding buildings despite the café’s closure, which emphasises the need for progress. I am hopeful that following this meeting real progress can be made to ensure this recently re-developed space fully meets its potential.”
Said Mr Dunne: “I would like to commend the Millisle Community Association for their dedicated ongoing campaign to protect the long-term future of this historic landmark.
Alderman Robert Adair echoed the calls for cafe to be reopened.
“Our message was simple, we need an operator back in the cafe at the Ballycopeland windmill. I thought it was good to have the Minister out to see first hand the unique visitor experience at the windmill.”
Mr Adair said: “Hopefully the department will make this a priority. We are encouraged they are exploring options but the cafe has been closed for too long. If it doesn’t get reopened again it will have a detrimental impact on the facility.”
A Department for Communities spokesperson said: “The heritage buildings, including the windmill, are open each week Thursday to Monday and there is no charge to the public for self-guided tours.
“We are currently working to appoint a new operator for the café at Ballycopeland Windmill and further updates will be issued in due course.”