Giant step forward!
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Minister Arlene Foster and National Trust Director Hillary McGrady cut the first sod before work starts on the new Giant’s Causeway visitor centre.
THE National Trust has began work on its long awaited Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre. Last Wednesday Tourism Minister Arlene Foster joined the charity's Director for Northern Ireland, Hilary McGrady in a ceremonial cutting of the first sod.
The entire project will cost £18.5m which includes a £9.25m tax-payer contribution. The Trust has also secured a £3m Lottery Fund contribution, pledged £4m of its own cash and hopes to raise the remainder through its 'Giant Cause' campaign.
Bedevilled by red tape, then the subject of a political row, the project only acquired momentum after the National Trust took charge and struck a deal with Moyle District Council over control of the site. Planners finally approved the current competition winning design in January 2009.
Following Wednesday's event Hilary McGrady, said: "This is such an important day for the Giant's Causeway, the local community and the people of Northern Ireland.
“This is a real sign of us all 'moving confidently on'. We are thrilled to have achieved so much in the last 2 years, and to be on site with works beginning is simply superb and a real credit to everyone who has believed in us. We are committed to seeing a world class project delivered worthy of this global iconic site."
Minister
Ms McGrady said the National Trust were thrilled to have had Tourism Minister Arlene Foster on site, especially given the significance of the Causeway Coast in tourism and economic terms, and her support throughout this project.
“I want to thank her, her team in DETI, NITB, the European Regional Development Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund who have really put their full support and the money required to make this project a reality.
“Today is the beginning of a new and exciting era for the Causeway and a significant red letter day for the conservation and protection of the World Heritage Site."
Minister Foster welcomed the National Trust's progress towards delivering world class facilities at Northern Ireland's only world heritage site.
"Tourism is a key driver for our economy and we are working towards a new tourism strategy with challenging targets to increase visitor numbers, the amount they spend and the overall earnings from tourism," she said.
“Competition for visitors is intense and we must work across government and throughout the industry to make tourism everyone's business to achieve our ambitious targets for growth."
The Trust acknowledges the project's likely impact on the local community, visitors and our staff during works.
A community meeting was held in Bushmills Wednesday night providing an opportunity to appraise neighbour of progress and hear suggestions on dealing with disruption.
Regular updates on the project progress will be available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway.
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