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18/09/2007
National Trust Intervenes In Causeway Row
The National Trust is set to intervene in the ongoing row over the Giant's Causeway visitors’ centre when it is discussed by a committee in Stormont today.
The Trust, which owns the Causeway, had expressed misgivings over Environment Minister Arlene Foster's comments that she was "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney last week.
Meanwhile, Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds will has appeared before the committee after his decision to drop plans, costing over £21 million, to build a public facility at the site.
Mr Dodds had said that the project would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money", given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
However, on Tuesday, it was reported that Mr Dodds has told the committee that public money could still be used to build the centre, if the private planning application failed.
Chairman Mark Durkan is reported to have accused Mr Dodds of recouching his attitude towards the development.
However, councillors from Coleraine Borough Council voted last week to keep the Causeway's visitors' centre in public hands, followed by councillors from Moyle District Council.
Sinn Fein had called on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney. However, Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
The previous visitors' 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)
The Trust, which owns the Causeway, had expressed misgivings over Environment Minister Arlene Foster's comments that she was "of a mind to approve" a private application by developer and fellow DUP member Seymour Sweeney last week.
Meanwhile, Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Nigel Dodds will has appeared before the committee after his decision to drop plans, costing over £21 million, to build a public facility at the site.
Mr Dodds had said that the project would not be a "prudent use of taxpayers' money", given Ms Foster's consideration of the private planning application.
However, on Tuesday, it was reported that Mr Dodds has told the committee that public money could still be used to build the centre, if the private planning application failed.
Chairman Mark Durkan is reported to have accused Mr Dodds of recouching his attitude towards the development.
However, councillors from Coleraine Borough Council voted last week to keep the Causeway's visitors' centre in public hands, followed by councillors from Moyle District Council.
Sinn Fein had called on the DUP to clarify its relationship with Mr Sweeney. However, Ms Foster has dismissed claims that her decision was influenced by Mr Sweeney's membership of the party as "rubbish", while Mr Sweeney has said that while he is a member of the DUP, he has never given any money to the party.
The previous visitors' 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)
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29 January 2008
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
28 November 2007
Rival Bid Renews Debate Over Causeway Centre
There's continuing debate over the proposed new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway this week with news of a serious counter bid to developer Seymour Sweeney's plan.
Rival Bid Renews Debate Over Causeway Centre
There's continuing debate over the proposed new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway this week with news of a serious counter bid to developer Seymour Sweeney's plan.
01 May 2008
Causeway Visitor Centre Back On?
New plans for the construction of a replacement Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre are set to be submitted.
Causeway Visitor Centre Back On?
New plans for the construction of a replacement Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre are set to be submitted.
12 September 2007
Councillors Vote To Keep Giant's Causeway Public
Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council have voted to keep the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre in public hands. Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
Councillors Vote To Keep Giant's Causeway Public
Councillors from Coleraine Borough Council have voted to keep the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre in public hands. Several DUP councillors were among those who voted in favour of the motion, which was put forward by the SDLP's council member John Dallat.
09 September 2004
Draft plan for 'world-class' Giant's Causeway site published
The draft management plan for the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site has been published for public consultation today. Environment Minister Angela Smith said that the plan was designed to ensure that the site remained a "world-class visitor attraction", managed to sustain the natural environment and the local economy.
Draft plan for 'world-class' Giant's Causeway site published
The draft management plan for the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site has been published for public consultation today. Environment Minister Angela Smith said that the plan was designed to ensure that the site remained a "world-class visitor attraction", managed to sustain the natural environment and the local economy.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
