Statement on Harbour Traffic Issues

The following is a statement which I released on Monday morning following a meeting with Roads Service officials regarding Saturday's traffic issues in the Harbour area of Larne:

 

"The early hours of Saturday morning saw the first in a number of planned closures of the Harbour Highway. Despite a diversion being in place, there was traffic chaos in and around the Harbour area, and this continued into the evening."

 

"I was contacted by a number of residents and commuters who were not only angry at the situation, but also concerned that the gridlock would inhibit the safe and speedy movement of any emergency services which needed access to the area. I then contacted both Roads Service and the PSNI who gave commitments to work together in an attempt to alleviate the situation."

 

"On Monday morning I had a meeting with Roads Service, who apologised for the negative impact on local residents, businesses and commuters to the area. I am pleased to say that Roads Service have confirmed that extra efforts late on Sunday night ensured that all planned works were completed by 2am on Monday morning, and that the planned closure of the Harbour Highway next weekend should not take place."

 

"I have impressed upon Roads Service the need to ensure that any future works on the road in question do not result in the same situation, and thanked them for the extra efforts to ensure that no further closure is neccessary in the near future. I would also encourage all road users to adhere to any diversions in place in order to avoid the unneccessary build-up of traffic."

 

Traffic was forced to queue from the Harbour roundabout to the Glenarm Road/Curran Road lights on Sunday because of the closure of the A8 outbound lanes due to roadworks. INLT 27-370-PR. Photo courtesy of LarneTimes.co.uk

 

"Gobbins restoration will put Larne on the world map"

Cllr Mark McKinty, Deputy Mayor of Larne, has welcomed recent progress on the Gobbins Pathrestoration project. Speaking following a boat trip to view the path from the sea, the Ulster Unionist Larne Lough representative was positive about progress over the next 12 months. "We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful Borough, and to have a feature such as the Gobbins on our doorstep" he said. "It has been one of Northern Ireland's best-kept secrets for a long time, and I am excited that it will soon receive international recognition".

Background

In 1892 the railway company opened up the coastline around Whitehead and Blackhead to excursionists by making pathways and footbridges along the cliffs to encourage rail traffic from Belfast and Larne.

The Gobbins Path was designed by civil engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, and included staircases along the cliffs, dramatic tubular and suspension bridges and caves and tunnels carved through the rock. It eventually stretched more than two miles.

Postcard of one of the bridges at the Gobbins path showing the engineer Berkley Deane Wise and his wife, Leah, in about 1902.

Construction work commenced in May 1901. Bridges were constructed in Belfast and floated out from Whitehead on barges before being lifted into position, high above the sea. The first section of the path opened in 1902.

According to an advertisement of the time, the 'new cliff path along the Gobbins Cliffs, with its ravines, bore caves, natural aquariums ... has no parallel in Europe as a marine cliff walk'.

Wise, chief engineer for the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway, tied in promotion of his Gobbins path directly to rail travel. Visitors would arrive at the station in Ballycarry or Whitehead and then either walk there or be taken onwards by jaunting car^. For several decades, until the outbreak of the Second World War, the Gobbins was one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Ireland, said to be even bigger than the Giant's Causeway.

A view of the suspension bridge.

When Wise retired in 1906 the company seemed to lose interest. It was to have stretched 3¼ miles with a northern exit at Heddle’s Port but sadly the path was never completed. It was last painted in 1936. Severe gales and rock falls meant a high annual maintenance bill and, after a lack of repairs or maintenance during its temporary closure in the World War II, the railway decided it could not afford the rebuilding costs. After the war, the Ulster Transport Authority took on the job of reopening the path and strengthening most of the bridges, but in 1954 high costs forced them to abandon the task, and the path was finally closed in 1961.

A group of ladies on the tubular bridge, c.1940.

Restoration

In June 2012, Larne Borough Council sanctioned a £6 million deal which would lead to the Gobbins Path being reinstated. The Scheme is due to start in autumn 2012. This two-phase plan includes rebuilding the path and bridges plus a new cliff-top path, visitors' centre, café and playground.

As before, much of the engineering will be constructed off-site and transported to the path by barges. Work will only take place in autumn and winter due to the colonies of nesting sea birds on the cliffs, which are protected during breeding season.

Many of the bridges, stairs and pathways are beyond use.

Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has welcomed the £3.5million investment into the restoration of the Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee, from the Special EU Programmes Body.

Mr Nicholson said, “In its prime, this coastal path was more popular than the Giant’s Causeway, but has now been closed to the public for almost 60 years; hopefully the restoration of this path will re-establish the Gobbins as a popular tourist destination in Northern Ireland. I am pleased that the Special EU Programmes body has invested £3.5million towards the £6million project.

“The creation of a visitor centre is included in this project, which is projected to attract 70,000 visitors in its first year; this will be a great boost for the East Antrim area when this project is completed in May 2014.”

Cllr Mark McKinty at Wise's Eye, the entrance to the Gobbins Path.

Cllr McKinty shared this view of the potential for Larne and Islandmagee in particular: "The entire project is due to be completed by May 2014, and a key element is the participation of and opportunities for the local community" he said. "Information evenings on the fascinating history, myths and folklore surrounding the Gobbins have proven to be very successful and enlightening."

"The visitors centre in Islandmagee will also house a new Community facility. The tours, café, gift shop and shuttle bus will provide local employment in addition to providing a platform for crafts from the local area. Further, the knock-on effect within the local economy will be fantastic, and the Gobbins project is an important part of our marketing of Larne as a destination where people can stay for longer."

"In the past, this project was Northern Ireland's signature project - drawing international attention, such as the Institute of Civil Engineers who held their first meeting outside London to visit the Gobbins. It is rightly being given equally importance now, with the Tourist Board holding the project as its theme for 2014, similar to the Titanic Project and the UK City of Culture have been over the past two years".

Cllr McKinty concluded: "This project has been a long time coming, and even recently we have had some major hurdles to negotiate in order to secure its future. I am excited about the potential for this project - the Gobbins restoration will put Larne on the world map. However, I am glad that the local community is a key part of the restoration project, and that the long-term benefit will ultimately lie with the people of Islandmagee and the wider Larne and East Antrim area."

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If you have any interesting stories or photographs about the Gobbins, please let me know! Email: mmckinty@gmail.com
 

Views sought for Larne "Off Lead" dog survey

Councillor Mark McKinty has encouraged members of the public to take part in the online survey published by Larne's "Off Lead" dog owner group.

"As a dog owner, I recognise the importance of off-lead exercise for any dog, both for physical and obedience training. This is especially true for the larger and more work-based breeds, of which there is a considerable number within our Borough" said Cllr. McKinty.

"I also recognise that the recent dog control orders have had mixed responses. When these initially came before Council, the control was much more strict. I was one of the Councillors who argued for a more relaxed approach, and that the orders on beaches should be for a shorter period. The Council then began consulting again on new proposals, and 2 of the 3 responses received were in favour of the orders".

"Taking on board the concerns that have been expressed to me, I believe there is a lot of merit in exploring the possibility of a dedicated dog exercise area within the Borough, which would also allow dog owners to socialise their dogs in a controlled environment", he said.

"The Off Lead group have shown leadership not only on this issue, but in ensuring that dog owners within Larne are well-informed, and can socialise their pets together in a safe way. I encourage members of the public to respond to their consultation, the results of which will then be used as evidence in the case for a dedicated space".

"I would also like to thank the many responsible dog owners who clean up after their dogs and are respectfully considerate to other residents. Dog fouling is a huge problem across the country, and one which I continue to raise at Council, however it is important to note that only a small number of irresponsible owners are responsible" he concluded.

To fill in the survey, please visit the following link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3H537CC

A list of recent dog control orders can be viewed at:

http://www.larne.gov.uk/template1.asp?pid=1785&parent=869&area=1&aName=Environment&text=1

Opportunity to shape future of railway "in public hands" - Cllr. McKinty

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed the opportunity of public consultation on the future of railway investment in Northern Ireland. "I welcome the recent announcement by my Party colleague Danny Kennedy on the future of railway investment. There is huge potential to improve our current railway provision and to examine the possibility of network extension."

Launching the consultation, Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development said: “Railways investment involves significant capital expenditure, with lengthy planning and construction phases. Looking forward over the next 20 years, there is a need to set a strategic direction to determine the priority in which new railway projects are tackled.”

“The outcome of the consultation will be used to help determine which railway projects should have priority within the wider Regional Transportation Policy Prioritisation Framework. It is important the public has an opportunity to have its voice heard and in doing so help us determine the order in which railway projects should be taken forward.”

Speaking ahead of a meeting of NILGA's working group on rail investment, of which he is a member, Cllr. McKinty encouraged members of the public, organisations and community groups to make submissions to the consultation. "The Minister is keen to receive comments and suggestions with regard to the future of our railway network, and it is important that everyone - regular, frequent or sporadic train users and non-train users - has the opportunity to voice their opinion in shaping the future of public transport in Northern Ireland".

The Deputy Mayor of Larne also highlighted the ongoing campaign to encourage more people to use public transport. "Work is underway on the A8, and this month will see work commence on the A2 in Carrickfergus, two major routes for residents of Larne Borough commuting to and from Belfast. With expected congestion, I would reissue my calls made in 2012 for the public to use public transport.

"The Larne-Whitehead stretch of the Larne Line needs passenger numbers to increase to ensure the future viability of the line. I travel regularly on the trains and would whole-heartedly recommend them as a means of transport, with new, comfortable carriages which boast free wi-fi for students, commuters, and general passengers alike."

"I will continue to work through Council, NILGA and the Larne Line Passenger Group to lobby Translink for better services within Larne, including more coordinated integration of rail and bus networks to maximise usage of public transport.  The future of our rail and bus network is in public hands."

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The consultation period will run until 12 April.

Everyone is welcome to contribute to the consultation and the Department looks forward to receiving public comment on the policy. The public can request the document by telephoning the Department on 028 90 540468, by email to mailto:alan.heron@drdni.gov.uk or by visiting the DRD website at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/publications.

"Ballycarry and Islandmagee both need separate schools"

Larne Lough Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Mark McKinty has voiced his strong support for Ballycarry Primary School amidst rumours and concern about closure as part of the Area Based Planning process initiated by the Department of Education.

Cllr McKinty, who is a former pupil of the school said: “The recent green light given to a new school in Islandmagee is long overdue and has been universally welcomed.  However, those of us who read the statement carefully noted that the Minister for Education’s statement referred to “a new primary school to service Islandmagee and the surrounding area to include Mullaghdubh and Kilcoan Primary Schools.”

"It seems that the sting in the tail is that the throw-away comment concerning ‘the surrounding area’ seems to refer to Ballycarry" said Cllr. McKinty. "I have been inundated with representations from concerned parents, residents, and members of various local community organisations. The Department needs to clarify the situation immediately."

"Whilst there has been a short term drop in pupil numbers at Ballycarry from, 107 in 2008 to 82 in 2012, these things often go in cycles. Indeed the Ballycarry ward has seen sustained growth in its birth rate since 2005, against slight declines in the neighbouring wards of Islandmagee, Glynn and Whitehead. Recent and future developments continue to attract new residents to the Ballycarry and Islandmagee area, and I believe this helps build a strong case for both schools."

"Today (Tuesday) the Department will consult with staff,  governors and parents of children already at the school. Given the important role the school plays within the community, I have sought assurances that a public consultation will promptly follow, allowing political and community representatives, members of the general public, and parents of prospective pupils to make their voices heard, and I would encourage everyone to ensure they submit a response when the opportunity arises".

"In my opinion Ballycarry needs and deserves its own local Primary School to cater for the village and neighbouring district. This includes Magheramorne, where the local community was devastated by the loss of Newlands Primary School over 20 years ago. An inspector's report on Ballycarry in October 2011 was pleasingly positive, stating "The parents, the teachers and the support staff responded extremely positively to the questionnaires and indicated very high levels of satisfaction with, and support for, the school." "
 
Continuing, Cllr. McKinty sought further clarification from the department of Education: "The question needs to be asked: did the powers that be in Education deliberately stall on the building of a new school in Islandmagee for over a decade in the hope that the numbers at Ballycarry would slip to allow it to be closed?"

Concluding, the Deputy Mayor of Larne stated his support for schools in both areas: "Ballycarry Primary School has been a fantastic school and an integral part of the local community for many generations, and I want to see it grow again and be retained as the hub of the tight-knit village. Equally, Kilcoan and Mullaghdubh, and indeed previously Ballypriormore, provide an excellent service to local school children and the wider community. Ballycarry and Islandmagee both need separate schools, and I will continue to work with staff, parents, pupils and community representatives to ensure that a top-class education service is provided in this area.”

McKinty calls for community solidarity

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has urged communities to show solidarity following a number of criminal attacks across the Borough.

Speaking shortly after the news broke, Cllr. McKinty condemned the attacks as "wreckless". "The incidents which have taken place over the past number of days have left communities devastated, and those to blame are nothing more than inconsiderate thugs."

"The theft of lead from two churches in Ballycarry and Raloo has not only placed a financial burden on those organisations, but has caused hurt amongst members" he said.

"The latest attack on Millar's Public House in Ballycarry was a malicious act against a vibrant and well-respected business within the Village. Thankfully local residents have shown great support to the owner, who was able to proceed with a planned community event over the weekend, despite the setback."

The Deputy Mayor, who is also a member of Larne's Policing and Community Safety Partnership, urged all members of the community to be vigilant, especially those in voluntary or faith-based organisations. "It is important that all members of the community are alert as to what is going on around their neighbourhood, reporting any suspicious activity to the police."

"Churches and other voluntary organisations should be especially vigilant given that their properties may lie vacant more than normal, and regular checks should be carried out on all facilities" said Cllr. McKinty. "Communities can play their part in tackling crime by showing solidarity and standing against those who wish to cause damage to local resources."

Cllr. McKinty appealed to anyone with information on the above events to contact the police or to speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Dog fouling "frustrates civic pride": McKinty

Recent problems of dog fouling in Larne have been raised at Council by Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty. The Deputy Mayor submitted the following motion at a recent meeting of the Environment committee:

"That this Council reviews its approach to tackling dog fouling to ensure targeted action at those areas worst affected, to include a responsive clean-up where dog fouling occurs, robust enforcement through the issue of fixed penalties, and community engagement/communication to ensure the message is loud and clear to local people that dog fouling is anti-social, dangerous and will not be tolerated."

The motion, which was seconded by Town councillor Roy Craig, was passed unanimously by those members present.

Proposing the motion, Cllr. McKinty highlighted the "epidemic" nature of the problem. "Since the beginning of 2013, I have received 16 telephone calls or online messages regarding dog fouling, in addition to 5 emails and 7 verbal reports, and I am sure other Councillors have received similad communication."

"Areas mentioned include Ballycarry (Main St, West St, park area), Ballystrudder, Glynn (Jubilee Park, entrance gate to primary school), Sallagh Park, the Factory area, Linn Rd, the Harbour area, Ballygally, the Drains Bay to Carnfunnock path, and even the Main Street" he stated. "This is a country-wide problem of slipping standards."

"I wish to recognise and thank those responsible dog owners who look after their dogs. A smal number of inconsiderate people are giving others a bad name".

"Fouling is a public health risk, especially to young children. It can also be dangerous to other dogs, causing disease and death."

"People are fed up with this blight on our communities. The message needs to go out loud and clear: allowing a dog to foul and not clean up after it is anti-social and this Council will be proactive in taking action against offenders" said Cllr. McKinty.

In his closing remarks, Cllr. McKinty paid tribute to the owners of Ballycarry's pet groomers for offering free bags and dispensers in an attempt to tackle the pronlem. "We must be seen to be taking action on this issue. Dog fouling frustrates civic pride in our Borough, and we must all work together to overcome this problem".