Ballycastle could ‘miss out’ on golf boost

The councillor said: “Our local town economy is likely to miss out on the significant potential tourism spend which this event will attract.”

Councillor Cunningham re-stated his recommendation, made last year, that an all-party working group made up of all the town councillors meet with all the relevant government departments and the Tourist Board to discuss the issue and possible solutions to the hotel problem.

“Ballycastle has a lot to offer visitors with its wealth of history, the natural beauty in and around the town as well the Glens, Rathlin and the Causeway. As a seaside town, Ballycastle has excellent static caravan parks and bed and breakfast establishments but, lacks quality hotel accommodation.

“The local economy needs people to stay over in the town, to shop in our local shops, eat in our restaurants and to drink in our pubs and clubs.”