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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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10 August 2012
Giant's Causeway: Trust To Review Signage, Not Prices
National Trust bosses have resisted pressure to review their Giant's Causeway pricing policy after complaints the £8.50 charge was "excessive". But they have agreed to look at signage, to make sure that people who visit the landmark rock formation know they can do so without paying in.
Giant's Causeway: Trust To Review Signage, Not Prices
National Trust bosses have resisted pressure to review their Giant's Causeway pricing policy after complaints the £8.50 charge was "excessive". But they have agreed to look at signage, to make sure that people who visit the landmark rock formation know they can do so without paying in.
04 August 2008
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.
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.
10 August 2011
Top Eco Rating For Giant's Causeway Centre
The new Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre in Northern Ireland has achieved an 'excellent' rating of 74% in accordance with the UK's BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method). Engineering specialists from global consultancy WYG were commissioned by the National Trust to provide advice on the redevelopment which replaces the existing building.
Top Eco Rating For Giant's Causeway Centre
The new Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre in Northern Ireland has achieved an 'excellent' rating of 74% in accordance with the UK's BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method). Engineering specialists from global consultancy WYG were commissioned by the National Trust to provide advice on the redevelopment which replaces the existing building.
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.
27 January 2009
Trust's £18m Causeway Centre Approved
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has gave his backing to the National Trust's proposals for a new £18m Giant's Causeway visitor centre. Plans for the new tourist facility were submitted by the Trust last summer, following years of wrangling over the future of the development. The original centre burned down during a fire in 2000.
Trust's £18m Causeway Centre Approved
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has gave his backing to the National Trust's proposals for a new £18m Giant's Causeway visitor centre. Plans for the new tourist facility were submitted by the Trust last summer, following years of wrangling over the future of the development. The original centre burned down during a fire in 2000.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
