Government sets aside £5.5m for Causeway Masterplan

Over £5.5 million has been set aside by government to help implement a tourism Masterplan for the Causeway Coast and Glens Area of North Antrim.

The Masterplan blueprint envisages the area becoming one of the leading tourism areas on the island of Ireland. It also outlines recommendations for sustainable tourism development in one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic regions.

Speaking at the bi-annual meeting of the Tourism Strategy Forum, NIO Minister Barry Gardiner highlighted the importance of the area to Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.

“There were over 450,000 visits to the Giants Causeway in 2003 and this number is expected to rise as our tourism industry continues to grow. The Masterplan aims to ensure that the benefit of this anticipated increase in numbers is spread throughout the wider causeway region," he said.

“When implemented fully, the Masterplan promises an increase in tourism revenue from £104 million to £157 million and an increase in tourism-related jobs from 4300 to 8000 for the area.

“To achieve these ambitious targets, the key recommendation in the Masterplan is the creation of a tourist trail along the coast - something akin to the world famous Ring of Kerry. Work is already underway by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at identifying the possible route and indeed a name," he added.

Mr Gardiner said the £5.5 million was being allocated for work to begin within coming months on the early recommendations, including: a family cycle track and amenities at Springwell Forest Park; new amenities at Cottage Wood in Cushendall; beach improvement schemes at for example Ballygally, Castlerock, Downhill and Browns Bay; and enhanced access and interpretation at Portstewart Strand.

In addition, work will begin on a number of environmental improvement schemes in towns across the area.

The Masterplan is one element of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Strategic Framework for Action, which was discussed in full at today’s meeting.

The Framework centres on three key objectives – attracting visitors, enhancing business and communicating effectively.

(MB)