Coastal centre in Glens areaaims to ‘bring heritage to life’

The plans for the centre - which would be based close to Waterfoot - are still at a very early stage but a feasibility study has been carried out.

Glenariff Improvement Group are behind the plans and speaking on their behalf at a meeting in Ballycastle, Sharon Scott said the building would include a beach cafe, toilet provision and a visitor centre experience.

It was stated that the primary aim of the project was to attract more visitors and increase visitor spend which will positively impact on the economic vitality of the village by establishing an effective link between Waterfoot, Glenariff Forest and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area.

After a request from the Glenariff Group for the Council to take the lead, Cllr Colum Thompson (Sinn Fein) proposed, seconded by Cllr Catherine McCambridge (SDLP), and the Council agreed they would take the lead in an application to the Coastal Communities Fund and any future funding applications.

Sharon Scott said they have been looking at a site on Garron Road and said the coastal centre will allow visitors to learn about the Glens area and its myths and legends.

Cllr Thompson said if the hard work put in by the group is anything to go by the centre will be a success.

Cllr Padraig McShane (Independent) supported the plans and said the provision of facilities in the Glens area by Moyle Council has not been good.

Ulster Unionist councillor Joan Baird said: “This is a very well thought out and well planned project. This will enhance tourist in the Glens area. We hear so much about the Glens being left out. This will be a flagship for the area.”