Causeway Coast and Glens Council to Consider Open Public Livestreams of Meetings

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to consider plans to open its meetings to unrestricted public viewing online.

A report will go before the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on 26 May following a request brought forward by Councillor Darryl Wilson earlier this year.

Currently, members of the public wishing to observe meetings remotely must request access in advance in order to receive a Microsoft Teams link.

Councillor Wilson previously argued that the current arrangement creates unnecessary barriers for residents and limits transparency, particularly for those unable to attend meetings in person due to work commitments, caring responsibilities or mobility issues.

Council officers have now outlined proposals which would see meetings broadcast publicly on YouTube through a link hosted on the council’s website.

However, no completion date has yet been confirmed.

According to the report, a number of issues still need to be addressed before any rollout can take place, including data protection assessments, staff and trade union consultation, and the development of appropriate policies and procedures.

The report also notes that essential roof repairs to the Council Chamber in Coleraine, scheduled for July and August 2026, are expected to delay implementation.

Committee members will be asked to consider which meetings should be livestreamed, with further updates expected to be brought back to future meetings.