Giant's Causeway construction plans submitted

16/06/2008 11:44:42

Plans for the construction for an £18-million visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland (NI) have been unveiled, it has emerged.

The National Trust will contribute £6 million towards the development and has asked the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for a £9-million grant, reports the BBC.

Arlene Foster, the NI enterprise, trade and investment minister, said the application would be given urgent attention, although a proposal by private developer Seymour Sweeney was turned down last year by the Planning Service.

However, Hilary McGrady, the National Trust NI director, said "enormous progress" had been made, with Moyle district council working with the trust to further the project.

"We are confident and determined to deliver visitor facilities which will enhance tourism and benefit the local area and indeed everyone in Northern Ireland," she told the news provider.

Ms McGrady also revealed that the visitor centre would cost the government and taxpayer less than the £21 million that was originally estimated.

Subject to approval, it is hoped construction work on the site will start in autumn 2009 with the centre opening in spring 2011.

The Giant's Causeway is a World Heritage site because of its estimated 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns and was known as the "eighth wonder of the world" in the 1700s, according to northantrim.com.

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