Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in Northern Ireland is facing criticism as it prepares to implement seasonal parking fees at four car parks along the north coast, reversing an earlier decision to delay the charges. The council argues that the fees are necessary to ensure fairness and parity in parking provisions across the borough, while acknowledging the unique needs of coastal communities. However, opponents, including Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane and local business owners, claim the fees will disproportionately burden families and businesses in areas like Ballycastle.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to implement parking fees at four car parks along the north coast of Northern Ireland , reversing a previous decision to postpone the charges. The council had planned to introduce seasonal parking charges at three seafront car parks in Ballycastle and West Strand in Portrush last year. A consultation was conducted at the end of 2022, and on Tuesday night, council members voted to proceed with the charges this summer.
Rathlin Island residents and regular workers on the island will receive permits, along with boat owners at Ballycastle Marina. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) council group emphasized the principle of fairness and parity across the borough in the provision of parking facilities. 'For too long, there have been inconsistencies in how parking charges and concessions are applied, and this decision brings much-needed balance,' a DUP spokesperson stated. They added that free parking for Rathlin Island residents and boat owners 'recognizes the unique needs of our coastal communities while ensuring that a consistent approach is taken across all areas.'However, Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane expressed her party's opposition to the introduction of parking charges at any of the car parks. She argued that the charges represent a 'significant levy' on families who reside and work in the area and have no alternative but to utilize these car parks. McShane contended that Ballycastle 'is not a market town, we cannot be compared to other areas within Causeway Coast and Glens.' She also alleged that the views of the Rathlin Development Community Association and local business owners were disregarded in the decision-making process. Maria Bakewell, whose family owns a pub on the Ballycastle seafront, where they also reside, shared her disappointment with the decision. She stated that she 'feels let down' by the council's choice, estimating that the parking fees would cost her family an additional £5,000 per year. 'There are four cars, and having to park in that car park every day means the cost is imposed on us,' she explained.
PARKING CHARGES CAUSWAY COAST AND GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL NORTHERN IRELAND BALLYCASTLE PORTRUSH Rathlin ISLAND COMMUNITY PROTEST
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