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12/06/2008
Giant Step Forward As National Trust's Causeway Plans Unveiled
The National Trust has submitted plans for a £18m Giant's Causeway visitor centre.
The proposed centre would attract a £6m direct investment from the Trust.
The County Antrim world wonder, whose original visitors' area was destroyed in a blaze in 2000, has been the subject of much controversy, particularly during the last year.
While legend tells how Irish giant Finn McCool formed the causeway, in recent times it has been Stormont heavyweights that have stamping their powerful feet over the future of the site.
Ian Paisley Junior, following wrangling in the press, eventually stepped down as a Stormont Junior Minister after it was suggested he had links with a potential developer, Seymour Sweeney, who had expressed an interest in the development.
Previously, the then DUP Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, had said her department was "minded" to consider Mr Sweeney’s proposals. This decision was later reversed.
Mr Paisley strenuously denied any allegations of misconduct on his part.
Since then the National Trust and Moyle District Council, who own part of the site, have made "enormous progress", according to Hilary McGrady, Trust Director in Northern Ireland.
Ms McGrady told the BBC: "We are confident and determined to deliver visitor facilities which will enhance tourism and benefit the local area and indeed everyone in Northern Ireland."
Ms McGrady has suggested, that by levering other sources of funding, the tax-payers’ contribution to the cost could be "less than half of the £21m previously anticipated".
"Key to all of this is that this investment will ensure that the Giant's Causeway visitor facilities remain in public ownership," said Ms McGrady.
Provided planning permission is granted, funding is put in place and the tender process is agreed, the National Trust expects work to start by the end of 2009, with the eventual visitors’ centre being open to the public in early 2011.
An award winning Dublin-based architect’s design for the project has been selected by the trust.
(PR)
The proposed centre would attract a £6m direct investment from the Trust.
The County Antrim world wonder, whose original visitors' area was destroyed in a blaze in 2000, has been the subject of much controversy, particularly during the last year.
While legend tells how Irish giant Finn McCool formed the causeway, in recent times it has been Stormont heavyweights that have stamping their powerful feet over the future of the site.
Ian Paisley Junior, following wrangling in the press, eventually stepped down as a Stormont Junior Minister after it was suggested he had links with a potential developer, Seymour Sweeney, who had expressed an interest in the development.
Previously, the then DUP Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, had said her department was "minded" to consider Mr Sweeney’s proposals. This decision was later reversed.
Mr Paisley strenuously denied any allegations of misconduct on his part.
Since then the National Trust and Moyle District Council, who own part of the site, have made "enormous progress", according to Hilary McGrady, Trust Director in Northern Ireland.
Ms McGrady told the BBC: "We are confident and determined to deliver visitor facilities which will enhance tourism and benefit the local area and indeed everyone in Northern Ireland."
Ms McGrady has suggested, that by levering other sources of funding, the tax-payers’ contribution to the cost could be "less than half of the £21m previously anticipated".
"Key to all of this is that this investment will ensure that the Giant's Causeway visitor facilities remain in public ownership," said Ms McGrady.
Provided planning permission is granted, funding is put in place and the tender process is agreed, the National Trust expects work to start by the end of 2009, with the eventual visitors’ centre being open to the public in early 2011.
An award winning Dublin-based architect’s design for the project has been selected by the trust.
(PR)
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Giant's Causeway: Trust To Review Signage, Not Prices
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Two 'Green' Buses Operating At Giant's Causeway
Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
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Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
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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.
