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Writer's pictureLove Ballymena

Help shape the future of marine tourism in Mid and East Antrim


Mid and East Antrim Borough Council wants to hear your views on how the potential of our Borough’s stunning coastline and inland waterways can be capitalised on through future tourism planning.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council wants to hear your views on how the potential of our Borough’s stunning coastline and inland waterways can be capitalised on through future tourism planning.

The Borough includes part of the world renowned Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which comprises the hilly landscape of the Antrim Plateau and a rocky coastline, which is home to an array of marine life and rich geological and natural heritage.

The coast road is a popular scenic route for tourists and local visitors alike, offering spectacular views of the seascape and the opportunity to visit sprawling country parks, historic harbours, sandy beaches and areas of nature conservation and geological significance.

The area also offers opportunities for freshwater-based activities, most notably along the Lower Bann River, where visitors can take part in a range of water based activities including cruising, angling, canoeing, paddle boarding and water skiing.

Council is in the process of developing a strategy and action plan to identify opportunities and priority actions to ensure our harbours, coastline and freshwater resources can contribute to the future success of our local tourism economy, which was worth an estimated £57 million in 2019.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said:

“We want to hear the views and ideas of our community about how this strategy can be developed, as well as how best to build the profile of our coastal and river facilities to the national and international markets.

“It is important that we continue to build on the tourism and outdoor recreation development work undertaken to date to ensure a more prosperous and environmentally sustainable tourism offering.

“As part of that strategy development process, Council has published an online survey to capture feedback on priority actions which will deliver change, and I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“By taking part in this survey, you will be helping to focus our future activities and supporting any future bids to secure new sources of funding.”

You can share your thoughts by filling in the survey at:


This work is being undertaken as part of the CAPITEN project, which was funded by the EU Atlantic Area Programme.

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