The Northern Ireland Office today announced proposals to commission a masterplan for the regeneration of Antrim's scenic coast and neighbouring areas.
As a first step ministers are launching an international competition for the development of the immediate area around the Giants Causeway - the North's only World Heritage Site - and the provision of a new visitor centre.
The last centre was destroyed by fire three years ago and there has been continued wrangling over who and what should replace it.
Mr Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland Office minister responsible for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and his colleague, Environment Minister Ms Angela Smith, said today they were endorsing proposals which would resolve the long-standing issue.
They said it would also address the needs for a better spread of tourism facilities in the wider region.
Mr Pearson said that first off they were commissioning an international competition "which will agree the concept for the development of the immediate locality and design a suitable visitor centre to complement the status of the Giants Causeway as a World Heritage Site.
"It will determine the most appropriate location, purpose, nature and scale of facilities in line with the principles of sustainable development and viability in the context of prevailing planning policies."
Ms Smith said there was also a proposed management plan for the World Heritage Site and while responsibility for management rested with the two land-owning bodies - the National Trust and local Moyle District Council - the Environment and Heritage Service would be leading on the development of the plan.
PA