Aire de service site for Portrush?

To help combat the problem of campervans at Lansdowne Crescent, Council officers have been exploring the idea of an aire de service at a car park behind the fire station.

The specifically designed places for motor homes are common in Europe.

During last Tuesday Leisure and Environment committee meeting at Coleraine Borough Council, Kieran Doherty, Director of Environmental Health said that Council officers had been exploring the idea.

He added that an offer of financial assistance had been received by Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Councillors agreed to allow officers to put forward the proposal.

UUP councillor David Harding welcomed the possible new site, saying: “This can only develop tourism on the North Coast.

“There were concerns about parking at Lansdowne, but this is the ideal solution. It’s an excellent opportunity.”

SDLP alderman, Maura Hickey, described the plan as ‘excellent’, while DUP man Mark Fielding said he had looked at similar sites in Carrick.

“These have worked very well in Carrick. If this gets the go-ahead at the fire station car park it will be an ideal location, close to the town centre.”