Stormont Minister: Issues remain on causeway centre plans

The only private sector proposal on the table for a controversial visitors centre at the Giant’s Causeway still has a number of issues which need to be addressed, Stormont Environment Minister Arlene Foster said today.

Following concerns that the Stormont Executive may bin plans for a publicly funded visitors centre in favour of a private development proposed by north Antrim businessman Seymour Sweeney, Mrs Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone) explained why she had publicly declared her inclination to accept the bid.

She told Mervyn Storey (DUP, North Antrim): “When I said I was minded to approve, I said that because I see considerable merit in the application which is the only application which is before me.

“That is the proposal which I have to say is still at outline stage and attempts to minimise the visual intrusiveness of the proposed centre by grassing roofs and exposed surfaces and locating part of the car park underground.

“It has an imaginative design. It provides for extensive facilities – it has an auditorium, cafe, library. It also attempts to resolve access issues with new road arrangements.

“Having said all of that, the reason why I came to a minded decision is that there are aspects of the proposals that need to be given further consideration. That includes the impact on the world heritage site, its relationship to other development in the area and indeed its relationship to the existing visitors centre.

“Those are all of the matters that I have to deal with. Those are proper planning matters and those will be taken in good time when I make my final decision, Mr Speaker.”

The old Giant’s Causeway visitors centre burned down in 2000.

Some MLAs expressed concern when Enterprise Minister Nigel Dodds announced earlier this month he would not be spending any more money on plans for a publicly funded centre on the same day as Mrs Foster said she was minded to give permission for Mr Sweeney’s proposal.

Both the National Trust and Moyle District Council have stated their opposition to a private sector proposal.

Questions have also been asked about Mr Sweeney’s links to the DUP and the junior minister Ian Paisley Junior.

However during ministerial questions, Mrs Foster assured the chair of the Stormont Environment Committee Patsy McGlone (SDLP, Mid Ulster) neither Mr Paisley nor his aides had discussed the application with her or her officials.

“I very clearly said to the Environment Committee last Thursday that I had absolutely no representation either from the junior minister or indeed anybody for and against the application,” she said.

“I am very happy to put that on the record.”

Sean Neeson (Alliance, East Antrim) asked the minister given the objections to the private bid would she abide by the ruling of the Planning Appeals Commission if it was called in to adjudicate.

Mrs Foster said a lot of the matters people were claiming she should have taken into account in reaching her view on the private bid were not applicable.

“My role as the Planning Minister, Mr Speaker, is very clear to me,” she said.

“I am very clear what the role is.”