No green light for laser games from Council

An approach was made to Moyle Council by Ardclinis Outdoor Activities about using the field at the back of Sheskburn House for laser games and wall climbing and the launching of kayaks into the River Tow to paddle to the sea via the Margy River.

But Council Chief Executive Richard Lewis cautioned against laser games and wall climbing because he said there could be complaints from people living nearby.

However, the kayaks plan is still on course although Ulster Unionist councillor Joan Baird was concerned at the potential impact on bird life in the river.

Ardclinis also want to renovate the old toilet block at Garron Road, Waterfoot, to provide a base for wind surfing, sailing and sea kayaking and the Council agreed that such a scheme should be advertised for expressions of interest.

Ardclinis also expressed an interest in developing the toilets at Dunseverick Harbour to include changing and shower facilities for coasteering and sea kayaking.

SDLP councillor Catherine McCambridge said it would assist in beating vandalism if old toilet blocks are given a new usage.

Independent councillor Colum Thompson said the work being carried out by Ardclinis is very worthwhile during challenging financial times and the organisation is going from “strength to strength”.

Ulster Unionist councillor Willie Graham said in general he supports the efforts of the Ardclinis group.

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane said they had to err on the side of caution as the Council had turned down a similar approach by an outdoor activity provider at Ballycastle Harbour some time ago.

Regarding the suggestion of a climbing wall and laser games at the rear of Sheskburn, Richard Lewis said he was sure there would be objections from neighbours.

Cllr Thompson said it would not be on a permanent basis and certainly not every day but Mr Lewis said it might be something planning permission is needed for.

He said he wants to encourage water sports but for the Council to allow a money-making organisation in to use the land for other activities could be open to challenge.

Cllr McCambridge said on the advice of the Chief Executive she proposed that the Council does not allow the laser games and the climbing wall but does allow kayaks to be launched.

Cllr Baird said she is a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and she was worried about any disruption to wildlife.

“It can create a lot of trouble for birds if it is for all year round,” she added.

Cllr Thompson felt the Council was missing an opportunity to provide something for young people by dismissing the climbing wall and lasers which he said were actually infra-red and “I don’t think you will see lights all over the country.”