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17/01/2011
Gobbins Path To Be Opened Once More
The once world-famous Gobbins Path - a partly suspended Victorian era sea walkway - is to be restored to its former glory - with a boost for both the beleaguered building sector and for more long-term employment when completed.
The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has confirmed support for a multi-million pound project to refurbish the historic Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee.
The restoration project is part-financed by the European Union's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), while Minister Foster's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has also approved funding of more than £3.5m towards the scheme, which will also see the development of a purpose-built tourist centre that is available for community use.
Originally constructed in 1902, the Gobbins Cliff Path was opened to the public by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company as a commercial venture to attract passengers to use their rail link between Belfast and Whitehead.
However, the path fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1954.
Arlene Foster said: "This important project represents a significant boost to the tourism industry in Islandmagee and the wider East Antrim Area.
"It will ultimately result in the creation of up to 21 full and part-time jobs and could attract upwards of 70,000 visitors per annum to the area," she said, noting the investment of £3,541,087 will help develop the enormous potential in tourism, "particularly where our outstanding natural assets are complemented by high quality investment".
The refurbishment scheme was also welcomed by DUP party colleague and Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, whose Department co-ordinates European funding in Northern Ireland.
He said: "Enhancing our tourism product is an important element of the Executive's priority to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy.
"Key attractions like the Gobbins cliff path will help improve the economic performance of Northern Ireland by attracting more visitors to the area," said the East Antrim MP and Stormont MLA.
It is expected that work will begin immediately on the procurement process to appoint the contractors to take the project forward.
The schedule of works and timeline will require sensitive and precision planning to take account of the breeding season of the bird population which inhabits the cliff site, and the seasonal challenges of working in a cliff face environment.
(BMcC/GK)
The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has confirmed support for a multi-million pound project to refurbish the historic Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee.
The restoration project is part-financed by the European Union's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), while Minister Foster's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has also approved funding of more than £3.5m towards the scheme, which will also see the development of a purpose-built tourist centre that is available for community use.
Originally constructed in 1902, the Gobbins Cliff Path was opened to the public by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company as a commercial venture to attract passengers to use their rail link between Belfast and Whitehead.
However, the path fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1954.
Arlene Foster said: "This important project represents a significant boost to the tourism industry in Islandmagee and the wider East Antrim Area.
"It will ultimately result in the creation of up to 21 full and part-time jobs and could attract upwards of 70,000 visitors per annum to the area," she said, noting the investment of £3,541,087 will help develop the enormous potential in tourism, "particularly where our outstanding natural assets are complemented by high quality investment".
The refurbishment scheme was also welcomed by DUP party colleague and Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, whose Department co-ordinates European funding in Northern Ireland.
He said: "Enhancing our tourism product is an important element of the Executive's priority to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy.
"Key attractions like the Gobbins cliff path will help improve the economic performance of Northern Ireland by attracting more visitors to the area," said the East Antrim MP and Stormont MLA.
It is expected that work will begin immediately on the procurement process to appoint the contractors to take the project forward.
The schedule of works and timeline will require sensitive and precision planning to take account of the breeding season of the bird population which inhabits the cliff site, and the seasonal challenges of working in a cliff face environment.
(BMcC/GK)
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22 June 2016
Gobbins Cliff Path Closed After Rockfall
The Gobbins cliff path in Co Antrim has been closed for the second time this year. The attraction shut on Monday, 20 June following an increase in recorded levels of natural rockfall, according to Mid and East Antrim Council.
Gobbins Cliff Path Closed After Rockfall
The Gobbins cliff path in Co Antrim has been closed for the second time this year. The attraction shut on Monday, 20 June following an increase in recorded levels of natural rockfall, according to Mid and East Antrim Council.
19 August 2015
Refurb Work Complete On The Gobbins Cliff Path
Refurbishment work on The Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee is now complete. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, visited the preview event today, 18 August, and said the restoration of the historic coastal path and the development of the new visitor centre will help put the coastline back on the tourist map.
Refurb Work Complete On The Gobbins Cliff Path
Refurbishment work on The Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee is now complete. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, visited the preview event today, 18 August, and said the restoration of the historic coastal path and the development of the new visitor centre will help put the coastline back on the tourist map.
18 March 2011
DUP Team Treads Gobbins Path
Two Executive Ministers were treading the same path when they visited the historic Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee, which is to be refurbished. DUP colleagues, the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson toured the site of the multi-million project.
DUP Team Treads Gobbins Path
Two Executive Ministers were treading the same path when they visited the historic Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee, which is to be refurbished. DUP colleagues, the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson toured the site of the multi-million project.
28 October 2015
Woman Rescued From Cliff Path In Co Antrim
A woman has been rescued from the Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee, Co Antrim. The Coastguard discovered the woman injured at the bottom of the cliffs at around 8.40pm on Tuesday. She was winced by a Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopter from Prestwick. She was taken to a hospital in Belfast for treatment however her condition is not yet known.
Woman Rescued From Cliff Path In Co Antrim
A woman has been rescued from the Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee, Co Antrim. The Coastguard discovered the woman injured at the bottom of the cliffs at around 8.40pm on Tuesday. She was winced by a Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopter from Prestwick. She was taken to a hospital in Belfast for treatment however her condition is not yet known.
28 June 2024
Man Jailed For Terrorism-Related Offences
A 45-year-old man has been sentenced at Belfast Crown Court in connection with a Continuity IRA attack and other terrorism-related offences. Having previously pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences, Gabriel Meehan, was sentenced to a 30 month custodial sentence.
Man Jailed For Terrorism-Related Offences
A 45-year-old man has been sentenced at Belfast Crown Court in connection with a Continuity IRA attack and other terrorism-related offences. Having previously pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences, Gabriel Meehan, was sentenced to a 30 month custodial sentence.
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