Calls for change slong Causeway Coastal Route as audit highlights congestion and poor facilities

Along the Causeway Coastal Route: Redbay

Image: Six Mile Images

Parking, congestion and a lack of facilities are among issues highlighted in an audit of the Causeway Coastal Route, councillors in Mid & East Antrim have been told

In a presentation to the borough council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee, at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, on Tuesday evening, James Hennessy, director, of The Paul Hogarth Company, a consultancy, highlighted concerns which the public would like to see addressed.

Road conditions and unclear signage were also highlighted in an audit which he explained, is being carried out to look at the quality of infrastructure from Belfast to Londonderry.

The audit, which was launched last year, is reviewing existing signage and infrastructure along the route.

Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland also want residents, business owners and interest groups along the route to have their say on the future of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Tourism NI says the aim of the audit is to “provide greater alignment and synergy between the visitor experience on the Causeway Coastal Route with that experienced on the Wild Atlantic Way” which runs from Kinsale, in County Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal.

A survey carried out as part of the first round of public engagement revealed “while the Causeway Coastal route is much-loved, it is negatively impacted by infrastructure issues including road conditions, congestion and parking, particularly at popular destinations along the route”, Tourism NI stated online.

Along the Causeway Coastal Route: Portrush

Image: Six Mile Images

Through a second stage of public engagement, consultation has been taking place with residents, business owners and interest groups along the Causeway Coastal Route in relation to improving signage and “way-finding” along the 120-mile stretch.

Mr Hennessy underlined the importance of the views of local communities and businesses, saying: 

“There are issues with road conditions, parking, congestion, lack of facilities and unclear signage, issues the public would like to see addressed along the Causeway Coastal Route.

“It is time to start thinking differently about the Causeway Coastal Route. It is time to slow visitors down and encourage them to spend time at various locations, leave the road and step out of the car.”

He suggested this could be achieved by “defining the Causeway Coast as an area rather than a route, an area based on the landscape”, from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle.

“We are also looking at how to tell stories and points of interest along the coast.”

He went on to say “welcome hubs could have a role to play” and “redundant infrastructure” found in lay-bys, for example, should be removed.

“There are various settlements that could have a role to play in welcoming the visitor, towns and villages that comprise the area,” he added. He noted world- class attractions including The Gobbins, in Islandmagee, Carrickfergus Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.

Speaking at the meeting, Carrick Castle Alderman Billy Ashe MBE said:

“You were talking about defining the area. I noticed your first slide was of the Peace Bridge in Londonderry.

“We have spent tremendous money over many years telling people the Causeway Coast starts here in Carrick. Have we given up on that? Have we changed the strategy?” he asked.

Mr Hennessy replied:

“Carrickfergus is very much part of the thinking, particularly with City Deal happening in Carrick and The Gobbins. The quality of these destinations is going to go up.”

The Carrickfergus regeneration project will include a new visitor centre, refurbishment of the radar tower at Carrickfergus Harbour, public realm, road infrastructure works and lighting schemes through Belfast Region City Deal which will also fund phase two of The Gobbins, a coastal path tourist attraction.

Coast Road Ulster Unionist Ald Maureen Morrow noted difficulty for coaches to park along the coast. “People do not get time to spend their money,” she remarked.

She emphasised the importance of highlighting the coast’s “hidden gems off the main road”. She commented there is “something at every hole in the hedge” along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“I think as part of the Causeway Coastal Route, signs have to incorporate the fact this is the Antrim Coast.”

She added that visitors may not realise the Antrim Coast is part of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Mid and East Antrim Mayor Ulster Unionist Bannside Cllr Jackson Minford stated: “I think appropriate signage is a key player.”