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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what stage of implementation the Masterplan for the North Coast and Glens has reached; what the reasons are for the delay in the design competition for the Visitors Centre at the Causeway; and what the timetable is for the new build visitor facilities at the Giants Causeway. [197424] Mr. Gardiner: The Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Masterplan was published in April 2004. It is a 10-year plan which sets out over 95 recommendations for action involving the public and private sectors. Some 90 per cent. of the actions have already been progressed; and a project manager has recently been appointed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to take forward the implementation of the Masterplan as a whole. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has secured the approval of the Union of International Architects to the brief for the planned international competition for the design of the proposed new visitor facilities at the Giant's Causeway and is currently in the process of appointing an international jury. Before launching the competition however the Department is keen to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding with all interested parties, including Moyle district council and the National Trust, to ensure a successful outcome in terms of the implementation of the winning design. Allowing for the preparation of detailed drawings, planning and other approvals, tendering and construction, the current timetable envisages the new facilities being completed by late spring/early Summer 2007.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c1642-3W;426 c1645-6W; 197424

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Construction Contracts for services Facilities Tourism Giant's Causeway

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk