Menu
11/09/2007
Assembly To Debate Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
The Northern Ireland Assembly is to debate plans to accept a private planning application for a visitor's centre at the Giant's Causeway.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster has indicated she is "of a mind to approve" the separate planning application from Seaport Investment for the centre.
Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds said that the project would cost more than £21 million and said that it would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money" to proceed with the project, given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
Mr Dodds said that the Department and Northern Ireland Tourist Board had only become involved as "a potential developer of last resort", because key stakeholders were "unable, over an extended period of time, to reach agreement".
More than £1 million had been spent on the project so far by the department.
The previous visitor's centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year.
It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA/SP)
Environment Minister Arlene Foster has indicated she is "of a mind to approve" the separate planning application from Seaport Investment for the centre.
Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds said that the project would cost more than £21 million and said that it would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money" to proceed with the project, given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
Mr Dodds said that the Department and Northern Ireland Tourist Board had only become involved as "a potential developer of last resort", because key stakeholders were "unable, over an extended period of time, to reach agreement".
More than £1 million had been spent on the project so far by the department.
The previous visitor's centre had burned down in April 2000.
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Causeway, known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, every year.
It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
(KMcA/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2008
Causeway Architect's Plan Has 'Strong Environmental' Basis
The National Trust's preferred architect, for a proposed Giants Causeway visitor centre, will incorporate a "strong environmental basis" in its design. The designer, Dublin-based Heneghan Peng, has taken the next step forward in building its plans, after submitting a "robust" planning application to the local authority.
Causeway Architect's Plan Has 'Strong Environmental' Basis
The National Trust's preferred architect, for a proposed Giants Causeway visitor centre, will incorporate a "strong environmental basis" in its design. The designer, Dublin-based Heneghan Peng, has taken the next step forward in building its plans, after submitting a "robust" planning application to the local authority.
19 December 2003
Planning application sought for relocation of Rathgael
An outline planning application has been lodged this week today on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office as part of its plans for the relocation of the Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael.
Planning application sought for relocation of Rathgael
An outline planning application has been lodged this week today on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office as part of its plans for the relocation of the Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael.
23 April 2013
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
12 August 2009
Planners Defend Demolition Decision
A row over the preservation of an Edwardian building has kicked-off in Belfast. Campaigners are attempting to block a developer's plans to demolish the structure, located in the heart of the city centre, and replace it with flats. However, planners have said they will stand over their approval of the project.
Planners Defend Demolition Decision
A row over the preservation of an Edwardian building has kicked-off in Belfast. Campaigners are attempting to block a developer's plans to demolish the structure, located in the heart of the city centre, and replace it with flats. However, planners have said they will stand over their approval of the project.
01 May 2009
NI Planning Service Proposes Price Hike
The Northern Ireland Assembly has heard of plans to increased planning application fees by 20%. Proposals brought forward to the Environment Committee are believed to be aimed at saving jobs within the Planning Service. Officials told MLAs the move was essential following a substantial drop in planning applications, which fell by £4.
NI Planning Service Proposes Price Hike
The Northern Ireland Assembly has heard of plans to increased planning application fees by 20%. Proposals brought forward to the Environment Committee are believed to be aimed at saving jobs within the Planning Service. Officials told MLAs the move was essential following a substantial drop in planning applications, which fell by £4.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
