A top advisor is being sent by US billionaire Donald Trump to Northern Ireland to research potential investment opportunities, it has emerged.
George Sorial, Trump’s Managing Director for International Development is due to visit four locations which could be possible sites for a billion-pound golf complex, on a two-day fact finding mission.
Stormont First Minister Ian Paisley had met with the 61-year-old entrepreneur in December to discuss the possibility of the project being brought to the province.
However, it was originally hoped the course could have been built in the north of Scotland.
Aberdeenshire Council rejected the initial planning bid, leading to an inquiry on how the council handled the proposal, being carried out by the Scottish Executive.
It is understood Mr Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated with delays and is viewing Northern Ireland as a possible location for the course and complex.
Mr Sorial said: "Northern Ireland is very much on our horizon now.
"I came here before three weeks ago, but we kept that below the radar. I am now coming back to look more closely at some options."
He is due to arrive in Belfast this evening, and will be a guest at a dinner hosted by Ian Paisley jnr.
A source close to the NI Assembly's First Minister said the purpose of Mr Sorial’s visit was to carry out "exploratory investigations."
"Nothing has been agreed and this is very much an exploratory trip, but if Donald Trump is going to invest in Northern Ireland he would certainly be welcome," the source commented.
According to reports, one of the proposed sites for the development in Runkerry, near Bushmills in north Antrim.
(JM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...