Pledge to protect World Heritage site as golf course gets go-ahead

The green light for a £100m golf resort on the fringes of the Giant’s Causeway will not endanger the famous landmark’s world heritage designation, Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has pledged.

Granting the long-sought planning permission for the 18-hole championship links course and five star hotel complex on the spectacular sand dunes near Bushmills, Co Antrim, Alex Attwood insisted extensive restrictions on the development would ensure the status of the popular nearby visitor attraction would not be adversely impacted.