Thompson wants Glenmona plans

GLENS councillor Colum Thompson has called on The National Trust to bring forward plans for Glenmona House in Cushendun.

Councillor Thompson made the call after a presentation from The National Trust to Moyle District Council on Monday the 8th of October.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Thompson said: “The National Trust gave a presentation on the completed Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Both these projects have been extremely successful and have contributed to a vast increase in tourists visiting both Bushmills and Ballintoy and the businesses and residents in those areas are reaping the benefits.

“Glenmona House has fantastic potential for increasing tourism in Cushendun and the wider Glens area. It is time The National Trust put the same sort of time, effort and resources into bringing a project forward at Glenmona.

“The House itself and the former house it replaced, which was burned during the troubles of 1921, have a fantastic history which would be of interest to a great many people. The grounds as well have fantastic potential for all sorts of sports and activities which would encourage people to visit the area. We are seeing the benefits which National Trust developments are bringing to other communities, both in Moyle and across The North and it is high time Glenmona House and Cushendun received the same focus and attention other National Trust properties have received.

“I will be asking Moyle District Council to write to The National Trust and ask them to bring forward plans to maximise Glenmona’s undoubted potential and I hope the businesses and the people of Cushendun will share in any new venture’s success.”