Ballintoy Harbour to be redesignated as private lands car park

This move will eventually enable enforcement patrols to monitor inappropriate parking and if required issue Parking Charge Notices after members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Environmental Services Committee voted in favour of the recommendation.

The recommendation to redesignate the car park, resurface it and replace seven existing lighting columns and luminaires within the harbour area will come in at a total cost of £110,831.27.

A decision on proceeding with car park charges and a park and ride to the harbour won’t be made until a multi-agency meeting is held.

A report brought before the committee stated that; ‘The popularity of the site has risen significantly over the past few years which has significant footfall and traffic. This has additionally attracted many leisure pursuits’ providers given the footfall and the natural beauty and attributes of the immediate area.

‘The designation to a private lands car park shall contribute to the alleviation of this problem as trailers and other inappropriate parking to cater for these activities can be better controlled via enforcement.’

The report suggested that the introduction of car parking charges by means of pay and display machines would ease congestion and encourage a more frequent turnover of car parking spaces. The charging would also assist with the enforcement patrol cost with a projected income from the machines of £35,282.50.

Members were also informed that officers will assess the feasibility of a park and ride option to service the Ballintoy harbour car park and harbour area from the vicinity of the Ballintoy village area.

Chairman, UUP Councillor Darryl Wilson described it as a ‘very welcome report’ before DUP Councillor Adrian McQuillan raised concerns about the number of leisure providers who operate from the harbour and if the proposed enforcement would apply to them.

Director of Environmental Services, Aidan McPeake confirmed that it will allow council to have ‘better control’ over where they park.

He added: “If they are coming down with three and four trailers they won’t be able to fit into a normal car parking space. It allows us to control and manage who comes