Friends of the Earth react postively over Bushmills Dunes development

Commenting on the report, James Orr said: “If the reports are true we will be greatly relieved for the sake the economy, the unique wilderness around the Giant’s causeway and for future generations.

“This was a decision that caused profound upset to thousands of people and sent a signal across the world that we may have been open for business but we had lost our values. It was a project conceived in Disneyland, based on voodoo economics and a complete disrespect for what makes this country special.”

Mr Orr continued: “The decision to approve this holiday resort, against all planning policies and common sense, was a defining moment in the history of the new Northern Ireland. For us the decision represented a perverse mindset that was prepared to sacrifice one of our most precious assets.

“We now hope the collapse of the project will also provide a time for reflection on who we are a society.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing the fallout of this decision because the legacy of Runkerry is that our prediction has come true - many of our most special places and important sites are being degraded as a result of the dangerous precedent to approve the Runkerry development at the Giant’s Causeway.”