19 May 2026 Leisure and Development Committee

Leisure and Development Committee

1. Apologies

2. Declarations of Interest

3. Minutes of Leisure and Development Committee meeting held Tuesday 21st April 2026 (summary attached)

FOR DECISION (Items 4-9 inclusive)

4. Causeway Coastal Route Draft Infrastructure Strategy (Report attached)

5. Sperrins Partnership including presentation (Report attached)

6. Stendhal Festival (Report to follow)

7. Leisure & Development 26/27 Business Plans (Report attached)

8. Social Supermarket Support Programme 2026-27 (Report attached)

9. DfC Integrated Advice Partnership Fund (Debt Advice) (Report attached)

Addendum - Mark Ashton Memorial (Report attached)

FOR INFORMATION (Item 10-12 inclusive)

10. Culture, Arts & Heritage Fund 2026-27 (Report attached)

11. Coleraine Future Town Fund Board Minutes March 26 (attached)

12. Local Economic Partnership Minutes April 26 (attached)

13. Correspondence

FOR CONFIDENTIAL CONSIDERATION (Items 14-16 inclusive)

14. Armed Forces Update (Report attached)

15. SWB Essential Maintenance – Upgrade Projects (Report to follow)

16. Request for Funding COAST (Report attached)

17. Any other relevant business notified in accordance with Standing Order 12. (o)

1. Alderman Hunter

A Dark Hedges Management Forum was set up through the CCGHT in 2025.

Could you outline the Council's current role within the management plan of the Dark Hedges?

Given the ongoing imbalance of one of the mature beech trees, what actions are being taken to manage risk, while preserving this significant heritage asset?

What measures are in place, or planned to ensure the safety of pedestrians and visitors, especially considering falling limbs and the increasing footfall along the Bregagh Road?

How is Council supporting the care, maintenance, and long-term establishment of the newly planted saplings to ensure continuity of the avenue of trees for future generations?

With the busy tourist season ahead, what provisions are being introduced to manage numbers, traffic, and overall site protection?

What joint actions are being taken with DFI to improve the effectiveness of road closure, traffic enforcements and access control?

How is Council working with landowners and relevant agencies to secure a balanced approach between conservation, tourism and public access going forward?