Forensic experts are attempting to establish the cause of a fire which destroyed most of the visitor centre at the North's biggest tourist attraction.
The Giant's Causeway was closed yesterday morning and busloads of tourists were turned away. It was reopened in the afternoon. Mr Gary Hewitt of the National Trust, which oversees the site, said: "The public can have access to the Causeway but there are no on-site facilities, toilet facilities, shop or tearoom."
The visitor centre, opened in 1986, houses educational and tourist facilities. The fire was reported at 1.30 a.m. yesterday and fire-fighters said 80 per cent of the complex was "engulfed" within three minutes of their arrival as the sea breeze fanned the flames.
They managed to save a neighbouring hotel as well as the centre's shop and cafe area, although these sustained smoke damage.
The blaze consumed a tourist information centre, post office, souvenir shop, interpretative exhibition and audio-visual display. Mr Hewitt said the trust would be discussing how to restore tourist facilities to the area with its partners in Moyle District Council.
The ancient volcanic rock formation is the North's best-known tourist destination, attracting 500,000 people last year.
Mr Sean Farren of the SDLP said he would be seeking a meeting with the Northern Ireland Office to discuss the situation. Mr Ian Paisley jnr of the DUP said it was a disaster for the local economy. He called on the British government to draw up an "emergency package" to ensure the visitors' centre was rebuilt as soon as possible.
Mr Glen Slater from Maryland, USA, said: "To be in Ireland and not to see the Giant's Causeway is a shame."