Causeway Coast needs united approach says UUP MLA

North Antrim Unionist assembly member, Rev Robert Coulter has called on four councils in the north of the province to form a united front to help create sustainable and lasting tourist and trade benefits for the area.

Mr Coulter called on Ballymoney, Moyle, Coleraine and Ballymena councils to work together as what happens on the Causeway Coast would have "long-term implications for tourist, road and employment infrastructures across the whole of north Antrim".

The combined council plan was necessary, said Rev Coulter, as Moyle Council is the smallest in Northern Ireland and should not be left to carry the financial and organisational burden of overseeing the Causeway Coast – which is Northern Ireland's premier tourist attraction.

"Whilst we recognise the great role which the Moyle Council has contributed towards the promotion and development of the Causeway coast, the future advancement of the region requires the other councils to rally to the support of Moyle," he said.

"There can be no doubting that in the Causeway Coast we have one of the most outstanding environmental heritage sites in the world, and it is essential that it is protected, not just for this generation, but for many generations to come."

He said that one way in which the councils could co-ordinate their facilities would be in the development of touring caravan sites.

"One of the major marketing points which can help ensure that the ferry service is re-instated in time for the first sailings this year is to emphasise the great tourism boost which it will bring to the Glens area of north Antrim. There have always been very close historical, sporting and family ties between Ballymena and Scotland and the ferry service will enable these bonds to be developed economically, culturally and socially," Rev Coulter added.

The MLA emphasised that it was vital that any united council front strategy should be based on the "twin pillars" of promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the environmental heritage.

(GMcG)