The newly developed Gobbins pathway opens on Wednesday and has the potential to attract upwards of 70,000 visitors annually to East Antrim, according to Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell.
The heritage path that dates back to 1902 is also poised to becoming an internationally recognised visitor attraction and a significant contributor to the success of the Causeway Coastal Route.
The original Gobbins Cliff Path was designed by Berkley Dean Wise for the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company as a commercial venture to attract passengers to use their rail link between Belfast and Whitehead.
The Minister was in East Antrim on Tuesday to visit the restored cliff path at Islandmagee.
The project is part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Speaking during his visit the Minister said: “The Gobbins Cliff Path was built along the base of the Gobbins Cliff in Islandmagee in 1902 and in its heyday attracted more visitors than the Giant’s Causeway.
"I am certain the restoration of the historic coastal path and the development of the new visitor centre will help put this stunning coastline back on the tourist map.
"The newly developed pathway has the potential to attract upwards of 70,000 visitors annually to East Antrim becoming an internationally recognised visitor attraction and a significant contributor to the success of the Causeway Coastal Route.
“I am pleased my Department was able to approve INTERREG IVA financial assistance in excess of £3.5million towards the refurbishment of this historic cliff path. With the creation of up to 21 full and part time jobs, this project represents a significant boost to the local economy, the tourism industry here in Larne, Islandmagee and the wider East Antrim Area," he said.
“To date my department has provided approximately £6.5million towards three tourism themed projects supported through the Interreg IVA Programme, resulting in a total investment of £17million. All of these projects aim to diversify and develop the local economy by supporting tourism development and infrastructure. The Gobbins Cliff Path is a perfect example of this.”
For more information visit http://thegobbinscliffpath.com/
