Anger over five nights of loud beach parties at Islandmagee

Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Danny Donnelly indicated that five consecutive nights of partying on the east Antrim beach have been causing a disturbance.

Cllr Donnelly said: “There have been five nights in a row of loud beach parties that have seen a total disregard for social distancing, instances of speeding cars, tyre burn-outs, drinking, loud music, residents getting abuse and vast quantities of litter discarded on the beach.

“This is clearly completely unacceptable. I have been speaking to the police each night, sometimes several times, about separate incidents.

“We are still in the middle of an outbreak of a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus which can be transmitted without the carrier even knowing they are infected. These are very are very concerning times.

“With this in mind, I have asked our chief executive to close the car park at Brown’s Bay until we can develop a plan to manage the situation better.

“I have also been sent pictures of silver canisters that have been discarded on the beach. I have been told that these are empty nitrous oxides canisters and that people inhale it to get high.

“This is hugely concerning as drug taking of this nature on a public beach is not only very dangerous for the people involved but also has the potential for people involved to be driving cars around the area.”

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “Council reopened the carpark in line with DAERA’s position, in order to facilitate the wider community to access the area for exercise.

“Over the weekend, there were reports of parties and police and council officers’ presence will be increased in the area to deal with an anti-social behaviour issues in the normal way. We have no plans to close the carpark.”

Meanwhile, Health Minister Robin Swann has urged young people not to put themselves and others at risk.

He said: “I know they have made massive sacrifices in recent months, putting their lives on hold – mainly for older generations.

“There is frustration, impatience and pent-up energy. I get that. My message is simple. Don’t put yourselves and others at risk.

“Keep your distance when you are out and about and meeting up with friends.

“I know “wash your hands” is the kind of thing you were told when you were three. But this is different. This could be a matter of life and death, if not for you but someone you love.

“It has to be stressed and stressed again that the threat from Covid-19 is still very much with us.”

Police have increased patrols around beauty spots, resorts and transport hubs in recent days to encourage everyone to follow the NI Executive regulations during the crisis.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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