The trust is satisfied that the reassurances provided will significantly strengthen the protection of the area

National Trust

"It is regrettable the National Trust saw fit to hold up the provision of a much-needed tourist facility and the economic benefits and employment that will flow from this project," he said.

Mr Sweeney said the �500,000 up-market pub-restaurant would befit its location immediately adjacent to the site and was targeted at the thousands of local and international visitors who come to the Giants Causeway annually.

Last September, the National Trust obtained leave to apply for a judicial review of planning permission on the grounds that the decision by the Planning Service had contravened planning laws.

Conservation

However, Mr Justice Kerr was informed on Wednesday that an injunction restraining the developers from continuing construction work was to be lifted forthwith.

The National Trust said they had been reassured that future protection of the site would be a priority.

"Given the widespread public concerns over potential development around the site, the trust is satisfied that the reassurances provided and the importance placed by the minister on the continued conservation of the Giant's Causeway will significantly strengthen the protection of the area."

A spokesman for the DoE said it was "always confident" that its planning decisions were properly taken in accordance with prevailing policies.

Officials at the department are continuing their scrutiny of development proposals within a four-kilometre radius of the Causeway.