Waterfowl project beginning to take flight at Broughshane

The Mayor, PJ McAvoy, and Cllrs Beth Clyde, Sam Hanna, Paul Maguire, Declan O’Loan and Robin Cherry welcomed a progress report on the project from their chief executive, Anne Donaghy, revealing that a Zoo licence had been granted for it by DARD.

She also pointed out that there had been progress too on a draft deed and lease for the transfer of lands for the project but added that ‘work was still to be done’ on this.

Councillors heard too that following further assessment of the plan by the Rural Development Programme at the end of this month the matter would come before them for consideration again at their July monthly meeting and that, in the meantime, a petition had been received containing around 600 signatures in support of the project.

It is understood the project aims to create a protected habitat for birds and other wildlife, with viewing platforms, through the development of an overgrown pond area in the village.

Cllr Robin Cherry said: “This has certainly been a struggle and I would like to thank the Chief Executive for pushing it on. It will be a great benefit for tourism in the area”.

The Mayor added: “It certainly seems it is maybe coming to a happy conclusion”.