New development at Drumaheglis Marina is well on track

With a total funding of £474,000, almost £295,000 of INTERREG IVA funding has enabled Ballymoney Borough Council to develop a new multipurpose building at Drumaheglis; which will boast a dedicated ‘wet’ facility for marina users, Coffee corner, Information point, as well as a Multi-purpose hall and Warden’s look-out.

Alderman Bill Kennedy, Council’s Development Chair welcomed the new facilities, saying: “The new facilities at Drumaheglis have been long awaited and will greatly enhance this riverside location, which is the only formal link to the River Bann off the famous Causeway Coastal Route, and which is a great base for campers, caravanners and water enthusiasts to explore this stunning corner of the Causeway Coast & Glens destination.”

The Drumaheglis project is part of a wider cross-border INTERREG IVA project, called the RIVER project. Managed by the North East Partnership, and monitored by the Special EU Programmes Body, the RIVER project will benefit 4 councils in total.

Ballymoney, Ballymena, Coleraine, and Cavan County Council are currently seeing £1.3 Million being invested into four inland waterway improvement projects along the Lower Bann and River Erne: at Drumaheglis, Portglenone, Kilrea and Belturbet in Cavan. Portglenone and Drumaheglis marinas have been the first to complete their respective schemes.

Another partner to benefit from the INTERREG IVA funding has been the project’s volunteer-based emergency rescue partner, the Community Rescue Service, who have received much needed new radio communication equipment.

Ballymoney Council will continue their development of the marina, with a new phase of works to commence in September. The official opening of the current phase is due to be marked with a community-focused event in August.