and Village Plan August 2011

Vision Statement “A vibrant and sustainable community where people support one another and are committed to working together to improve and protect the environmental, social, cultural and economic quality of village life for residents and visitors”

Introduction

The Village Plan for Cushendun and Knocknacarry was developed over a number of months. Local residents in Cushendun and Knocknacarry put forward their views about how they’d like to see their village develop in the next five years. This process was assisted by Cushendun and District Development Association working with , and was facilitated by Community Places. Funding for the village plan project comes from the NE Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Measure, which is being part funded under Axis 3 and4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Moyle District Council contributed 25% of the cost of the project. Consultation

Working with the Cushendun and District Community Development Association and Moyle District Council, Community Places designed the Cushendun Village Plan process. The key steps included: • Briefing Meetings • Village Walk Around Contact Key Groups and Organisations • Desktop Analysis • Publicity and Promotion • Community Consultation • Develop the Plan • Finalise the Plan It was agreed that a range of consultation methods would be used to gather views from groups, individuals and businesses in the area. For full details of the consultation carried out see the village plan.

Priority Projects

A large number of projects were identified through the consultation process, with the potential to be brought forward. Details of all the projects suggested are contained in the consultation findings section of the village plan. The priority projects identified are summarised below and overleaf. Encouraging tourists to stay in the area Better sports and play facilities • Provision of an electronic tourist information • Provision of new sports/play facilities in point which would provide information about Knocknacarry (potentially be a joint project accommodation, activities and amenities in between the school, youth club and the local Cushendun and encourage tourists to stay community) longer in the area including upgrading and re-opening of existing toilet block. Landscaping and planting scheme for Cushendun Main Street and Shane’s Park Signage directing traffic from Causeway Costal • A landscaping and planting scheme for the Route through Cushendun area to the front of Shane’s Park and for • Signing of an alternative Causeway Costal Cushendun Main Street. Route at Mollarts Bridge (Tromra Road) on • Additional planting along the “ring walk” and the road from to direct traffic a planting day, getting the whole community through Cushendun. involved.

Improve walking and cycling routes Activities and facilities for young people • Street lighting between Cushendun and • Involve young people in development of Knocknacarry (designed to prevent light programme for the festival. pollution) • Initiate discussions with ELB Youth Service • Safe cycle trails and pedestrian paths linking about how more could be provided. Cushendun Village, the Old Church and the children’s park at Glenmona Car park and Outdoor gym along the beach. • Better maintenance of the existing river • Provision of outdoor gym equipment in the walk, as well as extending this walk to village. Knocknacarry. Promotion of local heritage to visitors Improvements to Glenmona car park area including refurbishment of toilet facilities, • Develop Village Story better maintenance and environmental • Better Promotion of walks and trails improvements • Language training and signage • Improvements to the toilets at Glenmona car Development of Harbour park. • Redesign of this area and to create a “green • Interested parties to meet to clarify if there is car park” and relocation of green skip potential to develop the harbour. • Improved signage linking this area to the Old Church Project village • Continue to progress this project to create a Improved community venue/meeting space multi-purpose arts venue. • Improvements to Knocknacarry Parochial Hall Capacity Building • Use of existing facilities at the caravan park • Support for project implementation and by the community for some activities year management round.

The Village Plan for Cushendun and Knocknacarry is available at: www.moyle-council.org