Cash boost for pipe band championships

The event, organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, is set to attract about 50 bands and up to 1000 participants.

And Larne council believes it will provide an economic boost to the borough by attracting large numbers of tourists and raising the profile of the area.

The championships met with huge success when it was last held in Larne two years ago, leading the council to establish it as an annual event for the town, with Sandy Bay seen as the ideal venue.

At the latest meeting of the development committee in Smiley Buildings on Monday, a report to members stated the event would “greatly enhance the image of the borough”.

It added: “Although impossible to quantify, the borough will undoubtedly benefit economically from the participants and spectators in terms of their transport, accommodation, catering and expenditure.”

In addition to the 8,000 funding package, the council has agreed to provide 60 crowd control barriers, 100 seats, six tables, a trailer and possibly a small marquee.

Mayor Bobby McKee said he would endeavour to attend the event as one of his last functions as mayor. He added: “I am looking forward this event. It should bring in large numbers of people to the town and most of the bands are totally cross community, so it can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Ald Roy Beggs proposed that in future, the council should try to harness P&O by introducing promotion packages to entice more tourists across from Scotland.

Ald Danny O’Connor expressed concerns that residents of Bay Road were “having their rights walked over” in terms of car parking. “The last time this event was held in Larne, I received many complaints from residents who could not get parked anywhere near their house,” he added.

However, Ald O’Connor was told that, in order to minimise disruption to local residents, organisers would work with council officers and the police to ensure that parking will only take place in designated areas.

The report added: “Some problems were encountered at the 2008 event, with car parking and other events taking place at the same time at the Leisure centre. However, due to the extensive work taking place at the leisure centre in June, it is anticipated that car parking will not be an issue as key facilities will not be in use.”