Attwood officially opens Ballycastle Gateways

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, visited Ballycastle today to officially open the towns new Gateways.

Three new gateways have been installed to provide a positive welcome to everyone coming into Ballycastle. The Gateways are positioned on the three main entrances to Ballycastle on the Moyarget Road, Cushendall Road and Clare Road. The Gateways project is the first project to be delivered from the Ballycastle Town Strategy which launched last year. The signs which are almost 3.5metres tall are made from corten steel and reflect the history and culture of Ballycastle both past and present.

Alex Attwood said: "I want to congratulate Ballycastle Town Partnership for delivering this project and also the designer of the Gateway signs. These welcome signs are wonderful pieces of art reflecting stories past and present, for the enjoyment of everyone entering the town. I wish the Ballycastle Town Partnership and Moyle District Council every success as they continue to take forward the initiatives in the Ballycastle Town Strategy."

Chairperson of Moyle District Council, Cara McShane said: "Ballycastle is located in the heart of the spectacular Antrim Coast and provides a natural gateway to the Antrim Glens and wider Causeway coastal route. These gateways will provide a warm welcome to everyone and they reflect the proud culture, traditions and heritage of the local area."

Note to editors:

1. The estimated overall cost of the scheme was £63,000 and funding was provided by Department for Social Development (£ 57,000), Moyle District Council (£6,000).
2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
3. Further details on the intrepretation of the signage can be found by accessing the following link: http://www.moyle-council.org/services/details/?id=127