Leisure and Development 16 December 2025

Leisure and Development Committee

1. Apologies

2. Declarations of Interest

3. Minutes of Leisure and Development Committee meeting held Tuesday 18th November 2025 (summary attached)

4. Members will receive a presentation from Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust  (attached on 17/12/2025)

FOR DECISION (Items 5-7 inclusive)

5. Development of Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Report attached)

6. Benone Boardwalk (Report attached)

7. Tourism Events Programme 2026/27 (Report attached)

FOR INFORMATION (Items 8-12 inclusive)

8. Armed Forces Day Monthly Update (Report attached)

9. 153rd Open Championship Update (Report attached)

10. Community and Culture Strategy (Report attached)

11. Leisure and Development Financial Performance, Period 7 (Report attached)

12. Commonwealth Games (Report attached)

13. Correspondence (Report attached)

14. Notice of Motion Proposed by Councillor Allister Kyle, seconded by Councillor Jonathan McAuley

“I hereby move that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council support the proposal to rename Riverside Park in Dervock to McKinley Park in memory of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, and to commemorate the deep ancestral ties between Dervock and the McKinley family.

As we know year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States, a momentous event that laid the foundation for the nation’s freedom and democracy. In recognition of this anniversary and taking into account we have set up a committee to oversee the anniversary, we believe it is fitting that we reflect on the profound historical connections between the North Antrim village and the United States.

Dervock's primary link to the Americas lies in its ancestral connection to William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. McKinley’s great-great-grandfather, James McKinley, who emigrated from the townland of Conagher, near Dervock, in 1743. This historic connection offers a unique opportunity to honour Dervock’s contribution to American history and heritage.

The renaming of Riverside Park to McKinley Park would serve as a lasting tribute to the legacy of William McKinley, highlighting the role that Dervock’s local heritage has played in shaping American history. This renaming would not only honour McKinley’s presidential legacy but also strengthen the bond between the town and its American roots.

By renaming the park, the council would help raise awareness of this important historical link, fostering a greater understanding of the global influence of the Causeway Coast and Glens region. This gesture could also encourage cultural exchanges and promote tourism, with an emphasis on the rich historical ties between the US and Dervock.

I recommend that the Council formally approve the proposal to rename Riverside Park in Dervock to McKinley Park, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and in recognition of the ancestral connection between Dervock and President William McKinley.

This renaming would serve as a lasting tribute to both the McKinley family and the history of the United States, while also promoting local heritage, education, and international tis between Dervock and the United States”.

15. Notice of Motion Proposed by Councillor Tanya Elder, seconded by Councillor Bill Kennedy

"This Council recognises the importance of promoting positive ageing and ensuring that older people across Causeway Coast and Glens are valued, respected, and supported to live healthy, active, and connected lives.

We also recognise the success of our Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan, and the growing number of residents aged fifty and over in our Borough.

In light of this, I would request that an elected member be formally nominated to take on the role of Age Friendly Champion, providing leadership and ensuring continued focus on this important area”

FOR CONFIDENTIAL CONSIDERATION (Items 16-23 inclusive)

16. Asylum Dispersal Funding (Report attached)

17. Ballycastle Museum (Report attached)

18. Holiday and Leisure Park Fees and Charges 2026/27 (Report attached)

19. Pitch and Play Renewal Update (Report attached)

20. Metropole Project (Report attached)

21. Active Living Strategy (Report attached)

22. Sport and Wellbeing Facility Caretakers (Report attached)

23. Roe Valley Leisure Centre Pool Dosing System (Report attached)

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