The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
It’s easy to overlook the incredible industries right on our doorstep — but sometimes, they’re truly world-class.
Who would have thought that along the shoreline of Larne there is an oyster farm exporting over 200 tonnes of oysters every year to markets across the globe?
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Fabrice, a French native who made Northern Ireland his home in the late 1990s. After completing his studies in Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, he spent several years working with the Irish Sea Fisheries Board.
Then came a remarkable opportunity — to take over an abandoned oyster farm in Lough Larne.
What he has built since is nothing short of outstanding.
From a neglected site to a thriving export business, this is a powerful example of what determination, expertise, and belief in Northern Ireland can achieve.
Stories like this deserve to be told — and celebrated. #EastAntrim #oysterfarming #LocalBusiness #localcommunity @top fans Sammy Wilson
Great to visit the Larne branch of McDonald’s 🍟, owned and operated by franchisee Paddy Cusack.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Paddy and Community Relations Manager Muriel Spence, along with the brilliant team on duty 👏
What a fantastic group — they even tried to recruit me! 😄
It was especially encouraging to hear about the support they give to local charities ❤️ and the effort their crew and managers put into organising social events for staff 🎉. This is clearly more than just a workplace — it’s a real community, offering support, opportunities, and pathways for growth 📈
We also discussed some of the challenges businesses are facing due to current legislation 📄
A thoroughly enjoyable and insightful visit 🎥
Translink will be running early morning trains from Londonderry, Larne, Bangor and Newry, all arriving at Lanyon Place before 8am ahead of the 9am start at Stormont.
Key travel info:
* 🚌 Shuttle buses to the start line:
* From City Hall: 7am–8am
* From Lanyon Place: 7:30am–8am
* 👥 For spectators:
* Shuttle from Massey Avenue to Ormeau Park after the race starts
* 🏃 Relay runners:
* Buses from Annadale Embankment (Dunne’s Stores) from 8am–10am
* Drop-offs at Montgomery Rd, Boucher Rd, Falls Rd & Duncairn Gardens
* 🔁 After the race:
* Buses from Ormeau Embankment to city centre (11:45am–4pm)
* Every third bus returns to Stormont
Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. Good luck to everyone taking part!
As part of my role on the Environmental Audit Committee, I am examining the growing threat of PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals.” ⚠️
These substances are widely used in firefighting foams 🧯 and protective clothing 👨🚒 — yet they do not break down ❌ and can pose serious risks to health 🧬