Over £100,000 investment approved to protect and enhance Portballintrae Harbour slipway

Portballintrae Harbour slipway

An investment of more than £100,000 has been approved to repair and enhance Portballintrae Harbour slipway, bringing welcome news for local residents, harbour users and visitors to the north coast village.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Elected Members have given the green light for the Portballintrae Harbour Slipway repair project to progress to Stage 3 of the Council’s Capital Programme, a key step that paves the way for the appointment of CivCo Ltd to deliver the works.

The decision will see £124,711 plus VAT invested by Council, along with a 15% contingency, underlining its continued commitment to maintaining and improving essential local infrastructure that supports coastal communities and tourism.

The harbour slipway is a central feature of daily life in Portballintrae, used regularly by fishermen, boat owners and visitors accessing the harbour. Over time, wear and tear has made repairs necessary to ensure the structure remains safe and fit for purpose.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, highlighted the importance of the project for the village and its harbour users.

“The harbour slipway plays a vital role in daily harbour operations and is well used by fishermen, boat owners and visitors alike.

“These essential repairs will help ensure the slipway remains safe, functional and fit for purpose for years to come, protecting an important local asset at the heart of the village.”

Once the recommendation is formally ratified by Council, the project will move into the delivery phase. It is anticipated that works will commence in March, with completion targeted by the start of this summer, minimising disruption during the peak visitor season.

For local residents and harbour users, the investment represents more than just infrastructure spending. The harbour is a focal point of community life in Portballintrae, supporting livelihoods, recreation and tourism, and the planned improvements are expected to safeguard its long-term use for future generations.