Councillors are to be briefed next week on the first season of seasonal car parking charges introduced at key coastal locations across the borough.
A report due to be presented to the council’s Environmental Services Committee on Tuesday, 13 January, outlines feedback on charges introduced between April and September 2025 at seafront car parks in Ballycastle and at West Bay in Portrush.
The scheme, approved by members last year, was expected to generate £220,000 in income. However, the report shows actual income of £166,739, with enforcement costs reducing the net figure to £139,122, leaving a shortfall of just over £80,000 against the budget.
In Ballycastle, concessions were introduced through a virtual permit system for Rathlin Island residents, island workers and marina berth holders. A total of 189 permit applications were received, with 162 approved. Officers noted that a small number of applications could not be processed due to missing evidence.
The report also details engagement meetings held with berth holders and residents, attended by North Antrim MP Jim Allister. Concerns raised included access to boats and the impact of charges on nearby residents. Council officers say issues around marina access have since been resolved, with berth holders now able to use a designated loading and unloading pontoon.
Requests from local residents for additional parking permits were noted, but officers reiterated that members had previously decided not to introduce a broader residents’ parking scheme, with on-street parking remaining the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure.
The committee is being asked to note the feedback from the first season of the scheme, with no decisions required at this stage.
