Plans for Magheramorne Quarry to be redeveloped into Ireland's first word-class recreational attraction have been approved.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson recently approved the proposals submitted by Lafarge Cement UK in May 2006 to build a harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry near Larne.

Outdoor recreation is a key part of the redevelopment scheme with the bulk of the 153 hectare site transformed into a major leisure attraction with a World Cycling Centre as the central feature.

The Centre aims to be one of the best venues in Europe for downhill mountain biking and is expected to play host to televised World Cup events.

The Minister said during a visit to Magheramorne Quarry: “This is an imaginative and unique opportunity for Northern Ireland that will reuse what has become a redundant quarry and replace it with a major tourist attraction.This is an ambitious and exciting £100million project for the 21st Century. It will create a variety of jobs and should also draw a range of tourists to the area.

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“The project will be completed in a number of phases and the first phase will see the development of the World Cycling Centre, the first purpose designed mountain bike events facility in Ireland and one of the first in the UK."

An All-Ireland Scuba Diving Centre, taking advantage of a large lake in the quarry, also features amongst the recreational and leisure elements, as does a short heritage railway line and historic railway visitor centre for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. The plans also include many opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the outlook over the lough.

It is envisaged that Magheramorne will become Ireland's first One Planet Living Community based on a number of principles including zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, sustainable construction materials, local and sustainable food, sustainable water, natural habitats and wildlife, culture and heritage, equity and fair trade, health and happiness.

Clare Wright, Strategic Access Manager, The Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN), commented: “Having worked with Lafarge on this project for over 3 years, we hope to build on this relationship and continue working closely on the delivery of this exciting and unique project."

Lafarge Cement UK land and planning director, David Simms added: “For the best part of a hundred years, the cement works at Magheramorne was a major employer in the area and a fundamental part of the day-to-day life of the local community. This project is a big ‘thank you’ to the local community. It is not about making money, it is about leaving a legacy from which the next generation can benefit, at the same time as creating an exemplar of how we can all live our lives in a more environmentally-conscious way.”

(GK/KMcA)