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29/02/2008
Causeway Could 'See More' Of Sweeney
Controversial private developer Seymour Sweeney is appealing against the decision to refuse planning permission for his visitors' centre at the Giants Causeway.
Mr Sweeney's company, Seaport NI Ltd, said the reasons for the refusal were "not sustainable".
Previously Environment Minister Arlene Foster had said she was "minded" to approve the plans. However, in January she said the proposal would have an "adverse impact on the world heritage site".
"There are serious doubts that the proposed development would adequately integrate into the landscape and it would add to the spread of development at this sensitive location," she told the assembly.
Following the rejection of the plans in January, a spokesman for Mr Sweeney's company, Seaport NI Ltd, said: "We firmly believe that the scheme proposed, combined with the additional flexibility for infrastructural improvements afforded by our land ownership in the vicinity, addresses all the social, economic and environmental issues presented."
The Causeway, Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site, attracts nearly 500,000 visitors a year.
The previous visitors' centre on the site burned down in April 2000.
(VB/JM)
Mr Sweeney's company, Seaport NI Ltd, said the reasons for the refusal were "not sustainable".
Previously Environment Minister Arlene Foster had said she was "minded" to approve the plans. However, in January she said the proposal would have an "adverse impact on the world heritage site".
"There are serious doubts that the proposed development would adequately integrate into the landscape and it would add to the spread of development at this sensitive location," she told the assembly.
Following the rejection of the plans in January, a spokesman for Mr Sweeney's company, Seaport NI Ltd, said: "We firmly believe that the scheme proposed, combined with the additional flexibility for infrastructural improvements afforded by our land ownership in the vicinity, addresses all the social, economic and environmental issues presented."
The Causeway, Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site, attracts nearly 500,000 visitors a year.
The previous visitors' centre on the site burned down in April 2000.
(VB/JM)
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27 August 2008
National Trust Calls For Causeway Cash
The previously controversial re-development of Northern Ireland's premier tourist attraction, the Giant's Causeway, has moved to a new stage. Owners, the National Trust yesterday launched an appeal for £1 million so it can buy a stretch of prime headland nearby.
National Trust Calls For Causeway Cash
The previously controversial re-development of Northern Ireland's premier tourist attraction, the Giant's Causeway, has moved to a new stage. Owners, the National Trust yesterday launched an appeal for £1 million so it can buy a stretch of prime headland nearby.
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.
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.
18 September 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.
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.
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.
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