Modern phone kiosks planned for Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim could ring in a new era for public telephones if a series of planning applications submitted to the borough council are given the go-ahead.

Applications have been lodged by New World Payphones Limited for the installation of phone kiosks on public footpaths at:

• 1A Glynn Road, Larne

• 1A Victoria Road, Larne

• 134A The Roddens in Larne

• 70 Dunluskin Gardens, Carrickfergus

• 1 Pattersons Row, Carrickfergus

• 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena

• 12–14 Antrim Road, Ballymena

• 120–130 Antrim Road, Ballymena

• 32 Thomas Street, Ballymena.

A planning statement submitted with the applications says New World Payphones (NWP) operates a network of approximately 1,500 telephone kiosks across the United Kingdom, but currently has none in Northern Ireland.

The company says it is seeking to establish an estate of its new service kiosks in the region to complement its wider UK network and to develop “a telecommunications network that offers wide and significant benefits to the public”.

“The availability of mobile services has seen public telephony usage decline. Notwithstanding this, the evidence shows that telephone kiosks are still used and that there remains an ongoing user need for those without access to mobile telephony, for vulnerable people whom the market might not otherwise serve, or where mobile coverage is incomplete,” the statement said.

It added that the ability to call crisis lines and helplines from a public telephone kiosk is “recognised as particularly important”, noting that kiosks provide an untraceable option for people who may feel uncomfortable making such calls from a landline or mobile phone.

“There remains, therefore, a recognised need for public telephone kiosks for making calls to UK mobile and landline numbers (including helplines) and emergency calls, with many users recognised as likely to be part of vulnerable groups such as those on low incomes, the homeless, as well as those seeking assistance from helplines,” the statement continued.

Map showing the proposed location of a new NWP phone kiosk on the Antrim Road outside McCool’s

Three maps (tap individually to enlarge) showing proposed locations in Ballymena for new phone kiosks (L-R), Thomas Street, Cushendall Road, and Antrim Road (outside NI Ambulance Service Hub)

According to NWP, the objective of the initiative is to establish a base level of service coverage through a network of new service kiosks across the council area, complementing the company’s existing UK estate.

“The locations for the proposed telephone kiosks have been assessed in the round, having regard to the overall likely user need in the area, including current service provision,” the statement said.

The proposed kiosks would be cash-free and equipped to accept credit and debit card payments. They would also feature interactive wayfinding via a portrait-format LCD touchscreen, providing mapping and location-based information, and would include a defibrillator at each location.

In addition, the kiosks would include digital display screens for advertising, local charity messaging, and the dissemination of emergency and important public health information.