Modern phone kiosks with free calls and defibrillators planned across Causeway Coast and Glens

The applications seek permission for modern phone kiosks offering free non-international calls, an interactive map and a defibrillator at locations in Coleraine, Portrush, Ballymoney and Limavady.

Saturday 03 October 2026

New planning applications could see modern public phone kiosks introduced at 12 locations across Causeway Coast and Glens.

Applicant New World Payphones has submitted proposals for “new communications kiosks” offering free calls, an interactive map and a defibrillator at locations in Coleraine, Limavady, Portrush and Ballymoney.

Six locations proposed in Coleraine

In Coleraine, kiosks are proposed for Lisnablagh Road, Abbey Street, Rugby Avenue, Brookmount Court, Hanover Place and near Loreto College.

Further kiosks are planned for Connell Street, Crawford Square and Irish Green Street in Limavady, Rathmore Court in Portrush, and Castle Street and Main Street in Ballymoney.

Separate applications have also been submitted for digital advertising displays at each kiosk.

Free calls and interactive local information

An accompanying Planning Statement says the kiosks have a “purposefully open plan layout” to enable access for all, including people with accessibility needs, and to help curb antisocial behaviour.

The new telephone equipment would be cashless and accept credit and debit cards, while free calls would be available to all numbers except international calls.

Users would also be able to access wayfinding and public information through a portrait touchscreen display featuring a local area map, points of interest within a 15-minute walk and a list of emergency numbers.

The kiosks would also provide optional public wireless telecommunications services and house a defibrillator. A digital display on the rear could be used for advertising, council and public health information, and emergency incident messaging.

Company says kiosks provide a safety net

New World Payphones said that while mobile communications continue to grow, public telephone kiosks still provide a necessary public service.

“They provide a communication safety net for people without access to a landline or mobile phone, including to services like the Samaritans, Shelter, Crisis, St Mungo’s, Centrepoint, Refuge and Childline, and the emergency services.”

The Planning Statement added:

“For such users, they represent a vital lifeline, retaining a level of such service provision is therefore essential.”