Plans to create a circular walking route at County Antrim's popular visitor attraction The Gobbins have made significant progress.

The Gobbins Phase II project will see the upper and lower cliff paths joined to create the route. The cliff and coastal path will also be extended to take in more geological features of the rugged coastline. It forms part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Mid and East Antrim Council's City Deal Elected Members Working Group, Councillor Gregg McKeen said: "We want to keep tourists here longer and, by investing in this Gobbins Phase II project, we will create a world-class, authentic visitor attraction that will help us to grow both domestic and international visitor numbers to the borough.

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"In recent months our officers and elected members have made significant progress in developing a comprehensive Outline Business Case (OBC) for Gobbins Phase II, setting out a range of important considerations together with the wealth of potential benefits to be derived from the project.

"The submission of this OBC to the Treasury this summer is a significant step in the journey to realising the long-term boost that the extension of the Gobbins will deliver to both tourism and the wider economy in Mid and East Antrim."

Councillor Robert Logan added: "I commend the hard work of all those involved in progressing this vital work which will be crucial to unlocking the economic and tourism potential of our borough.

"The Gobbins is a key tourism asset in Mid and East Antrim and Northern Ireland, with thousands of visitors from around the world travelling to experience this unique attraction.

"The planned City Deal investment will build on its reputation and deliver an enhanced, world-class tourism site, which will be invaluable to our local economy."

(CM/MH)