Ballycastle and Lammas Fair to be given a boost - Ritchie

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced a strategy for the regeneration and development of Ballycastle over the next ten to fifteen years.

The Minister is keen to ensure that the unique nature of Ballycastle as a gateway to some of Northern Ireland’s finest natural heritage is captured in the plan. There are thirty three recommendations in all.

These include:

• the development of a water sport centre at the seafront;
• the development of a new leisure and tourism facility at the Quay Road;
• the opportunity to maximise the benefit to the town by upgrading existing walkways, linking the town to the forest and creating heritage trails;
• improvements to the town’s gateways to natural heritage sites;
• improvements to the Diamond area that includes traffic management;
• bringing new life into existing historic buildings.

Margaret Ritchie said: “Ballycastle is a unique town enjoyed by residents and its many visitors. It also offers a gateway to some of Northern Ireland’s finest natural heritage. The Annual Lammas Fair is a key attraction that puts the town on the map. I am keen that Ballycastle has a clear vision of how it will protect and enhance its special position in the future. This Town Strategy, which I am funding, will do that.”

Commenting on a partnership approach to revitalise the town, Margaret Ritchie said: “It is important that the Town Partnership now works with all the stakeholders to prioritise the initiatives identified in this masterplan. I will ensure that my Department supports the Partnership to achieve these aims. I look forward to visiting a more vibrant and prosperous town in the future.”

The plan also recognises the key role the Lammas Fair has in the history and image of Ballycastle. Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome the possibility of the Lammas fair being enhanced and attracting an even larger number of visitors.”

The Chairman of Moyle District Council, Councillor William Graham added: “Last month the Ballycastle Town Partnership presented the Town Strategy to the Council for its endorsement. We were very impressed with the quality and content of the Strategy and we gave it our support”

The Chairman of Ballycastle Town Partnership, Peter Harper, added: “We welcome the launch of the Ballycastle Town Centre Strategy. We hope that in five years time many of the recommendations within this plan will have been successfully implemented or are underway and that we can all look back and say that the Strategic Development and Action Plan actually made a difference.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Ballycastle Masterplan is available online or from the Moyle District Council Offices, Sheskburn House, 7 Mary Street, Ballycastle, BT54 6QH
2. The Masterplan was launched at a reception in Ballycastle Golf Club today 30 April 2009.
3. The Paul Hogarth Company prepared the Town Strategy on behalf of the Department for Social Development.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the duty press offer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.