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)