The once world-famous Gobbins Path - a partly suspended Victorian era sea walkway - is to be restored to its former glory - with a boost for both the beleaguered building sector and for more long-term employment when completed.

The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has confirmed support for a multi-million pound project to refurbish the historic Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee.

The restoration project is part-financed by the European Union's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), while Minister Foster's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has also approved funding of more than £3.5m towards the scheme, which will also see the development of a purpose-built tourist centre that is available for community use.

Originally constructed in 1902, the Gobbins Cliff Path was opened to the public by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company as a commercial venture to attract passengers to use their rail link between Belfast and Whitehead.

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However, the path fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1954.

Arlene Foster said: "This important project represents a significant boost to the tourism industry in Islandmagee and the wider East Antrim Area.

"It will ultimately result in the creation of up to 21 full and part-time jobs and could attract upwards of 70,000 visitors per annum to the area," she said, noting the investment of £3,541,087 will help develop the enormous potential in tourism, "particularly where our outstanding natural assets are complemented by high quality investment".

The refurbishment scheme was also welcomed by DUP party colleague and Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, whose Department co-ordinates European funding in Northern Ireland.

He said: "Enhancing our tourism product is an important element of the Executive's priority to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy.

"Key attractions like the Gobbins cliff path will help improve the economic performance of Northern Ireland by attracting more visitors to the area," said the East Antrim MP and Stormont MLA.

It is expected that work will begin immediately on the procurement process to appoint the contractors to take the project forward.

The schedule of works and timeline will require sensitive and precision planning to take account of the breeding season of the bird population which inhabits the cliff site, and the seasonal challenges of working in a cliff face environment.

(BMcC)