Council Considers Harbour And Marina Strategy For The Next Decade

A new strategy aimed at shaping the future of harbours and marinas across the Causeway Coast and Glens was discussed by councillors at Tuesday evening’s Environmental Services Committee.

Members were asked to consider a draft Harbour and Marina Strategy for 2026–2036, which sets out a long-term framework for managing and developing the Council’s coastal and marine assets over the next decade.

The strategy follows a recommendation made in 2023 that the Council undertake a strategic review of its harbour and marina provision. Consultants were subsequently appointed in 2025 to carry out the work and develop the draft strategy now before members.

It provides an overview of a number of Council-owned facilities including Coleraine Marina, Portstewart Harbour, Portrush Harbour, Portballintrae Harbour, Ballintoy Harbour, Rathlin Island Harbour, Ballycastle Marina and Harbour, alongside several smaller slipways and recreational access points across the borough.

According to the report, Causeway Coast and Glens has more than 100 miles of coastline, with harbours and marinas forming an important part of the area’s tourism, fishing and recreational infrastructure.

The strategy highlights that many of the borough’s berths are currently at capacity, with waiting lists for moorings. While the harbour portfolio operates at an average annual deficit of more than £66,000, the report states the facilities deliver wider social and economic benefits, supporting tourism, local employment and coastal community life.

A key element of the strategy is strengthening links between the Council’s Destination Team and harbour operations.

The report notes that the Council already promotes the region through its Visit Causeway Coast and Glens destination marketing campaign, which includes visitor guides, online promotion and social media channels aimed at attracting domestic and international tourists.

The Destination Team works to showcase the area as a year-round tourism destination, highlighting attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route and supporting the wider visitor economy.

Within the new harbour strategy, officers suggest that closer collaboration between the Destination Team and harbour management could help better promote marine tourism opportunities, including sailing, sea tours, water-based recreation and visiting leisure craft.

The report also recommends incorporating information about harbour and marina facilities into existing tourism marketing and itineraries to help visitors better understand the range of coastal experiences available across the borough.

Public consultation carried out during the development of the strategy found strong local interest in the future of the facilities, with many respondents calling for improved maintenance, better communication with harbour users and increased capacity where possible.  

Councillors were asked to consider the draft strategy and recommend its adoption by the Council ahead of a period of public consultation.

Members at this evening’s Environmental Services Committee agreed to adopt the report in principle, approving the draft Harbour and Marina Strategy to proceed to public consultation, with the final strategy to be brought back to Council following feedback from the consultation process.