Judge backs golf resort planners
27 February 2013
Last updated at 16:26 GMT
An impression of what the proposed new hotel will look like at Runkerry
It brought a judicial review after Environment Minister Alex Attwood granted planning permission.
Developers have said that work will now start as soon as possible on the resort at Runkerry.
Dr Alistair Hanna, who has been driving the proposals, said it would be one of the "most spectacular golf developments ever seen in Ireland".
"Not only will the resort provide a world-class golf links course and facilities attracting thousands of visitors each year, it will also protect the vulnerable topography of the coastal area which has been left vulnerable following decades of neglect," he said.
Mr Attwood approved the plan to build the complex in February 2012.
The development, on a 365-acre site, is to be known as Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa.
The plan includes an 18-hole golf course, a five-star 120-bedroom hotel and 70 golf lodges.
Last year, it was reported that the project could create up to 360 new jobs.
However, the trust had argued that the minister should have consulted Unesco before making his decision as it could affect the Causeway's status as a world heritage site.
During the judicial review hearing last month, a lawyer for the trust claimed the minister had been improperly advised.
Among those who said the hotel should be built was golfer Darren Clarke.
He said that he "didn't get how" the plans would damage the area when they were further away than a hotel and car park adjacent to the site which is owned by the Trust itself.
The 2011 Open champion called those opposing the plan "treehuggers".
An impression of what the proposed new hotel will look like at Runkerry
The
National Trust has lost a legal attempt to block construction of a
£100m golf resort and hotel near the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim.
The trust opposed the development because of its proximity to the Unesco world heritage site. It brought a judicial review after Environment Minister Alex Attwood granted planning permission.
Developers have said that work will now start as soon as possible on the resort at Runkerry.
Dr Alistair Hanna, who has been driving the proposals, said it would be one of the "most spectacular golf developments ever seen in Ireland".
"Not only will the resort provide a world-class golf links course and facilities attracting thousands of visitors each year, it will also protect the vulnerable topography of the coastal area which has been left vulnerable following decades of neglect," he said.
Mr Attwood approved the plan to build the complex in February 2012.
The development, on a 365-acre site, is to be known as Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa.
The plan includes an 18-hole golf course, a five-star 120-bedroom hotel and 70 golf lodges.
Last year, it was reported that the project could create up to 360 new jobs.
However, the trust had argued that the minister should have consulted Unesco before making his decision as it could affect the Causeway's status as a world heritage site.
During the judicial review hearing last month, a lawyer for the trust claimed the minister had been improperly advised.
Among those who said the hotel should be built was golfer Darren Clarke.
He said that he "didn't get how" the plans would damage the area when they were further away than a hotel and car park adjacent to the site which is owned by the Trust itself.
The 2011 Open champion called those opposing the plan "treehuggers".
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