Major investment in scenic north coast walking trail

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots cut the first sod on a major upgrade to the Causeway Coast Way at the Magheracross viewpoint.

The redevelopment will include two viewing platforms, as well as new parking facilities and landscaping on the path that runs from Portstewart to Ballycastle.

The viewpoint is being upgraded with a £0.5m grant from DAERA’s Rural Development Programme.

Mr Poots said: “Tourism is vitally important to our rural economy and the competitive nature of the tourism marketplace, over the next few years, cannot be underestimated. I’m therefore delighted to be announcing the redevelopment of the Magheracross site. This area will serve as another must see destination for tourists arriving to our stunning North Coast.”

The minister added: “It is clear that the creation of visitor experiences that showcase our natural landscape and are compelling and accessible to all can offer long term sustainability and growth for rural tourism in Northern Ireland.”

Causeway Coast and Glens mayor Alderman Mark Fielding said the walking path project “will create a world class visitor experience, delivering an accessible, unique and innovative offering which complements the unique geography of the area”.

Alderman Fielding added: “Along with other improvement projects funded by DAERA, including that at Portaneevy between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, we want to enhance the attractiveness of the wider area and complement our existing tourism experience which helps to make our destination so special.”