The proposed development of additional car parking at the Ballycastle seafront area.

Consultation opening date: Monday 30th June 2025

Consultation closing date: Sunday 14th September 2025

Want to find out more or ask some questions?

Three drop-in sessions have been arranged in Sheskburn House as follows:

Date Wednesday 2nd July 2025 11am to 1pm

Date Wednesday 2nd July 2025 5pm to 7pm

Date Tuesday 8th July 2025 10am to 12noon

Each of the sessions will be very informal so you can stay for as long or as short as you need. Members of staff will be on hand to explain the options, hear your views and to answer any questions.

1. Background to the proposed Growth Deal project in Ballycastle

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has an indicative offer from the UK Government and the NI Executive for a Growth Deal of £72m to promote the economic development of the region.

The overarching objectives for the Council’s Growth Deal are agreed as follows:

• Position Causeway Coast and Glens as the ‘go-to’ region for business and pleasure

• Regenerate some of the area’s smaller settlements into thriving and sustainable rural economies

• Attract, support and grow more business, with a focus on export

• Improve key elements of the tourism transport network and tourism destinations

• Work with education and employers to improve employability and skills

One of the 9 projects prioritised by the elected Members is a proposal to improve traffic and parking problems which currently limit the Borough’s ability to realise the true economic opportunities presented by the demand from visitors at several pressure points in the Borough. One of these pressure points is the seafront area of Ballycastle and others include Bushmills, the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

In early September 2024, the Council commissioned an independent traffic and parking study at the above areas. As a result of these surveys, it was confirmed that demand for parking at the seafront area of Ballycastle outstrips supply and, when peak seasonal uplifts and tourism growth forecasts are factored in, the shortfall is around 170 car parking spaces. A design team led analysis of available, viable and suitable sites, identified that the only site option, is the area of Council owned land to the rear of Sheskburn House.

2. Why are we progressing with this consultation now?

The funding on offer is limited and there is no prospect of increased funding from central government or the NI Executive if the project costs increase or if delays result in the budget being eroded by inflation. While the government has indicated confirmation of the funding, the Council still needs to submit a detailed business case which will be subjected to a review and approval process by government. The business case will evaluate all the proposed parking and traffic improvements across the Borough and will not be limited to the Ballycastle element. This is therefore a time-limited, one-off opportunity to secure investment into improved parking infrastructure in Ballycastle. The funding is not 100% secured until this process has been completed, and the business case for the whole project is approved by government. Local consultation is an important part of that project development process.

3. What do we want to get out of the consultation process?

The Council has hard evidence of an undersupply of parking in the Ballycastle seafront area and we know that, at peak times, the local community find it difficult to park or drive freely around the town because of congestion. This limits the town’s ability to accommodate the number of visitors who can visit the town and in turn, limits the town’s ability to take full economic advantage of those people who want to enjoy the town’s many food, beverage, social and retail opportunities.

Through this consultation, we hope to get a better understanding of the level of community support for the proposed project which aims increase parking capacity in this part of the town.

Options

4. What is the option being proposed?

Ballycastle is a town steeped in history, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich heritage. As a designated conservation area, any development, particularly infrastructure projects, must be mindful of preserving the character and environmental quality that make it unique.

The proposed increase in car parking aims to enhance accessibility while upholding Ballycastle’s conservation principles. The expansion can provide necessary convenience without disrupting the historical and environmental fabric of the town.

Strategic placement of additional parking can ease congestion and support local businesses while ensuring minimal impact on protected sites and scenic views.

Careful planning will align with conservation guidelines, ensuring this initiative can strike a balance between modern accessibility and the timeless character of Ballycastle.

1. The proposed solution involves the use of a piece of vacant, Council-owned, land to the rear of the existing Sheskburn car park.

2. In addition, with the development of the new Leisure Centre and associated community space and gym, the existing Sheskburn car park can be utilised and increased with the removal of the part of the building that houses the current gym.

This solution would achieve the required additional parking capacity and leave the main sections of the Sheskburn buildings untouched for a separate decision regarding its future use. The section of the Sheskburn building proposed for removal will be redundant soon with the provision of the new gym in the Leisure Centre.

Please access the survey via the following link - Click Here

If you do not have access to a smartphone or a computer, you can call into Sheskburn House or Ballycastle Library to complete a written survey. You may also ring the following number 07525 906959 to request a hard copy by post.

Proposed Car Park at Sheskburn