I understand the barriers on the Causeway Coastal Path were erected towards the end of the summer of 2007 and were subsequently enlarged. There is one barrier near Ballintoy harbour and another one (tumbled) at Park End, adjacent to the beach at White Park Bay.This path will have been walked for generations, maybe even a few thousand years. Access for walkers previously was via styles on a number of fences that crossed the path.
The Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) says it has a public liability insurance policy for the Waymarked Ways, covering the landowners over whose land the path lies but cover has been removed for this section of the Causeway Coastal Path until the barriers are removed. (Belfast Telegraph)
It would appear that Moyle District Council has a responsibility for public paths under the Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 but has been very dilatory in having the problems resolved.
Are health and safety issues increasingly being used to limit public access? Moyle Council still has bollards in place on the Sand Rodden, Black Rock Strand, even though the miniature railway has been in hibernation for months. Perhaps Council staff are in hibernation too!!
