Causeway Coast and Glens Council approves plans to progress coastal path between Ballycastle and Ballintoy

Members of Council’s Leisure and Development Committee unanimously approved a motion by Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane, which read: “This council recognises the significant tourism, economic, health and wellbeing benefits that an off-road coastal walking route between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, including Carrick-a-Rede and Kinbane, could deliver for residents and visitors alike.

“Council notes that the development of this section of the Causeway Coast Way is identified as a strategic priority within the Causeway Coast Way Blueprint and welcomes the initial positive engagement undertaken with landowners regarding the principle of an off-road coastal route.

“Further to this, the council agrees to: Support the progression of the proposed Ballycastle to Ballintoy coastal path as a strategic tourism and active travel priority.

“Request that officers develop an Outline Business Case (OBC) to establish the strategic, economic, environmental and social case for the project, including route options, landowner engagement, indicative costs, funding opportunities and potential delivery models.

“Explore opportunities to work collaboratively with key partners, including the Executive, Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DAERA and other local authorities with experience of delivering major walking trails.

“Seek external funding opportunities to progress the project and report back to the Leisure and Development Committee on the proposed next steps.”

Councillor McShane said the motion’s aim was to complete a missing section of the much wider Causeway coastal network, something which has been in discussion for many years, and has “strong support” from residents and visitors.

“It has attracted significant attention across social media and the local press,” she added. “That level of interest demonstrates and reflects the strong public appetite for exploring the continuation of this coastal path and access along the iconic stretch of coastline on the North Antrim coast.”

She argued that having an OBC in place would ensure the project is “investment ready” if any future funding is identified: “Potential future sources could include the Shared Island Fund, alongside other government tourism and active travel funding programmes.”

“However, without the groundwork completed, we risk missing out on those opportunities.”

The motion was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor Maighréad Watson, who said the project would represent a major investment in the economic, health and social wellbeing of the borough’s local communities.

“This is about more than creating a walking route, it is about unlocking the potential of our coastline and ensuring local people and businesses benefit from one of our greatest natural assets,” she said.

“Connecting Ballintoy and Ballycastle would strengthen our tourism offering, support local economic growth, improve connectivity between communities, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

DUP councillor Darryl Wilson noted a similar motion he had put forward around the Dark Hedges and said Council were being asked to “move mountains” for “basic infrastructure”, due to a lack of support from Stormont departments.

He added: “Where is tourism and where is infrastructure on the north coast, when this Council is having to put forward notices of motion to these massive departments, which are obviously completely bogged down with bureaucracy.”