Rasharkin games arena issues thrashed out

A report presented to councillors at a recent meeting stated:

“Committee (council’s Leisure and Amenities committee) is asked to give further consideration to the scheme proposed by Groundwork NI for additional facilities at Drumbolcan Park, Rasharkin and make recommendation to council concerning the matter.

“It should be noted that the Special EU Programmes Body has requested a signed partnership agreement for the programme from all the key statutory partners.

“Presently as regards council the proposed agreement seeks that Ballymoney Borough Council would “manage, maintain and insure the multi-use games arena and play facility at Drumbolcan Park, Rasharkin and to ensure that it remains as a public asset post completion of the Sharing Our Space programme.

“Committee ought to consider whether the proposed facilities to be provided would remain under council control or otherwise.

“Head of Amenities discussed members’ concerns surrounding issues that had been raised at the last sub-committee meeting including queries about insurance and the type of equipment used.

Councillor Cathal McLaughlin said he had been talking to the people of Rasharkin and whilst initially they had concerns with the proposed scheme, they are now very happy it.

It was proposed by Councillor McLaughlin, seconded by Alderman Frank Kennedy and agreed to recommend that council progress with the scheme proposed by Groundwork NI for additional facilities at Drumbolcan Park, Rasharkin.

The Head of Amenities suggested to members that they give consideration to a separate application, with the same funding body, for floodlighting of the proposed kick about area.

In response to a question from Alderman Kennedy he informed members that any user of electricity for the flood lighting would be paid for by the user via the use of an electronic card payment system.

Alderman Kennedy considered that council should progress the application for funding, in principle, with a view to taking any final decision at a later stage.

It was proposed by Alderman Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Evelyne Robinson and agreed to recommend that council progress, in principle, a separate application for funding for floodlighting of the proposed kick about area at Drumbolcan Park, Rasharkin.