Talks Underway to Change Coleraine Fireworks Display Location Amidst Concerns

It is understood Causeway Council and Glens Council have been in talks with the Ulster University for weeks regarding the possible relocation of the Coleraine fireworks display in what appears to be a quiet and behind-the-scenes interaction.

Politicians claimed to be uninformed of the probable relocation from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields to the University grounds and negotiations when approached by Explore Causeway Coast & Glens, which raises concerns yet again about the openness and communication of the Council. 

Explore Causeway Coast & Glens submitted a media enquiry concerning the change of location, only to be informed that such a question must be posed under a Freedom of Information request.

It is understood that suggested changes are being considered due to a variety of concerns.

1. The present Rugby Avenue location's predominant wind direction has caused cancellations of the event in recent years due to strong winds next to a dual carriageway.

2.The traffic management plan for Rugby Avenue and Mountsandel, along with the contingencies for the dual carriageway, is growing increasingly complex and costly each year.

3. On-site parking is not available at the current Rugby Avenue location, with the exception of a few places designated for the disabled. Due to this restriction, reckless parking has become rife along the hard shoulder and roadway leading up to the Strand Road roundabout next to the rugby club, posing severe safety and logistical concerns.

4. The PSNI has raised concern about the scarcity of parking spaces. Numerous participants have resorted to parking on Lodge Road, near Asda, and even on the grounds of Causeway Hospital, causing large crowds to wait at traffic lights on one of the busiest roads in the Borough.

5. In both 2021 and 2022, the Council collaborated with Translink to offer Park & Ride services from the Town Centre, which saw minimal usage.

6. The location of the fireworks display has also been reevaluated due to an alarming increase in anti-social activity near the Rugby Avenue playing fields that has expanded to Mountsandel.