Almost £1million tourism boost for Causeway Coast

Tourism on the Causeway Coastal Route is set to receive a boost of £900,000 for improvements at the East Strand Promenade, in Portrush.

The project will improve a number of key sections of the Promenade, from the Arcadia to the Watersports Centre and along the front of the East Strand car park. The purpose of the planned improvement project is to enhance the physical character of the area and will include changes to the Promenade, lighting, street furniture and landscaping.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “Portrush is a popular destination along the Causeway Coastal Route offering visitors beautiful beaches and spectacular coastline. This scheme will transform the appearance of the promenade, maximise the natural surroundings and improve what Portrush already has to offer.

“The world famous Causeway Coastal Route draws visitors from all over the world, so working to improve visitor attractions means that we are constantly evolving as a destination. Listening to the needs of our visitors, delivering unique experiences and offering standards of excellence means we can compete with the best destinations in the world.

“Everyone throughout tourism must focus their energies on delivering fantastic experiences for our visitors so that they will come to Northern Ireland in even greater numbers and return in the future.”

Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Tourism Development Scheme supported the project to the sum of £450,000 and the Department of Social Development provided £400,000 of funding. Coleraine Borough Council contributed £50,000 of additional support.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, also added her support for the scheme commenting: "I want to encourage regeneration of our towns and cities to promote investment and employment and deliver shared public spaces for everyone to enjoy. I am pleased to announce my support for this project to rejuvenate the seaside resort's promenade in one of the province’s premier tourist destinations.

“This work to the East Strand promenade will provide improved lighting, easier access to the beach, and improved pedestrian linkage to the commercial area of the town."

The Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, commented: “Coleraine Borough Council is delighted to have secured funding to deliver environmental improvements at East Strand, Portrush. The project aims to promote physical and economic development within the town and will complement the regeneration, further works planned to rejuvenate the area around Station Square and West Bay.”

Notes to editors:

1. The East Strand Regeneration project involves the physical improvement of a number of key sections of the Promenade in Portrush. It will compliment recent improvements in public infrastructure along the Eastern side of the peninsula including Antrim Gardens, the Arcadia and the East Strand Watersports Centre.
2. The Tourism Development Scheme recognises the central role that visitor attractions play in making Northern Ireland an attractive destination. The main aim of the scheme is to help local tourism projects, within the 5 Signature Projects, improve their tourism offering and provide a high quality visitor experience.
3. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.