Council To Relocate August Meeting To Ballymoney Venue

A summer meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to take place at an alternative venue, marking a rare departure from its usual base at Cloonavin.

Elected members have backed plans for August’s full council meeting to be held at Riada House, as essential maintenance work is scheduled for the chamber roof in Coleraine.

The issue stems from storm-related damage earlier in 2025, which has led to ongoing concerns around water ingress and the protection of equipment within the chamber. With council business typically quieter over the summer, the period has been identified as the most practical time to carry out the repairs.

A report to councillors noted: “Repairs to the Chamber roof in Cloonavin have been needed for some time due to leakage and potential damage to Chamber equipment in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in January 2025.

“A time when council meetings are in recess is considered to be the optimum time to minimise or avoid disruption to conducting council business.

“Work is due to start straight after the June 30th Council Meeting. The timescale for completion is approximately six weeks.

“It is intended to have completed works ready for the Council meeting in September 2026.”

To enable the relocation, councillors agreed to adjust Standing Orders, allowing meetings to be held outside the main chamber in what are described as “exceptional circumstances,” including events such as severe weather, operational issues, or other disruptions.

Given the limited capacity at the Ballymoney venue, the August sitting will take a hybrid approach. Fewer councillors will be present in the chamber, while others will participate remotely, with arrangements overseen by party group leaders.

The proposal has been approved at the committee stage and will now proceed to ratification by the full council tomorrow evening.