Answers to Public Questions

This page provides the answers to accepted public questions submitted to Council.

Previous responses in this term of Council: July 2025

Public Questions and Answers - September 2025:

Tony Feenan	Question “I would like to enquire about what can done about the level of dog barking in the area?”
Answer: Council has a statutory duty to investigate noise complaints. For this to be undertaken and addressed Council require an address for the matter to be investigated. If someone has a complaint and wishes to contact Environmental Health directly the opportunity can be taken for a formal or informal response to be initiated.
Linda Weir	Question “Why does our Council have so many more closed meetings than anywhere else in Northern Ireland?”
Answer: Discussions in a closed part of a meeting happen due to a number of factors. Each time this is set out on agendas/minutes. MEA cannot comment on the closed meetings in other Councils as it is unaware of the nature of business in each of the other 10 Councils. MEA aims to have as much in open Council/Committee meetings as possible.
Colleen Long	Question “The old swift building at the castle car park is an eye sore and there are several old air conditioning units sitting on the pavement outside. "Is there nothing council can do to remove these units? "Not only are they unsightly but I’m sure they are a health and safety hazard.”
Answer: Council Officers will undertake a site visit to investigate the circumstances and determine if there is legislation available to act upon this matter. If no formal action can be taken communication will be sent to the owner.
William McNeill	Question “How much of the money from the sale of the former council offices in Larne is going on projects in the Larne area and not directly to other constituencies of the Borough?”
Answer: The Sale of any Council asset must be used for capital purposes. Council is currently progressing a number of capital projects that will benefit the Larne ratepayers. Carnfunnock at an overall cost of circa £8.9m with a cost to Council of circa £2.2m, Larne Cemetery at a cost of circa £2.8m Recently there has been work completed on a new play park at Bardic Drive at a cost of circa £180k; an upgrade to Larne Town Park MUGA at a cost of circa £226k and provision of a skate park at Larne Town Park at a cost of circa £220k.
Wendy Muir	Question “Can you please justify how you can spend £85,000 on wall murals, especially in light of the appalling state of our leisure centre and you telling local sports clubs there is no money for additional facilities or upgrading of existing facilities.”
Answer: Council was fortunate to receive external funding of £76,500 from the Department for Communities for a new Street Art initiative across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne, aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of town centres, celebrating local identity and engaging communities. The Council’s contribution was £8,500. The external funding is ringfenced for town centre regeneration and revitalisation schemes by the Department and therefore Council has no jurisdiction to change this funding allocation to upgrading of leisure facilities. To date money was committed in the Capital Plan for the design of the replacement leisure centre at St Patrick’s link, to take it to planning stage. This planning is almost completed. In the absence of external funding Council is exploring alternative funding models to deliver the new build. There is ongoing essential maintenance carried out in Seven Towers, some key elements will be considered for progress in the next while.
Kenny Brown	Question “Yes funding for facelifts is all very well. But many building/sites have been empty for years if not decades. When will the council finally focus on a Carrickfergus town planning policy of future proofing our town? Vesting, demo and rezoning areas and buildings neglected or empty to bring into use to Revive our towns.”
Answer: Council is currently running an Expression of Interest for a potential grant-based programme to tackle areas of concentrated vacancy and dereliction. If funding is secured, it is hoped to launch this in FY 2025/26. As part of this programme, Council is researching greater use of Vesting powers, with a view to have an enforcement option on derelict properties, as well as a grant-based incentive to improve town centre occupancy. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council adopted its Local Development Plan 2030 Plan Strategy in October 2023, which includes a suite of planning policies specifically relating to Retailing and Town Centres within our Borough. Our Retail and Town Centre planning policies aim to protect and sustain the vitality and viability of our established town centres. We are currently preparing our Local Policies Plan, the second document to make up the Local Development Plan, our Local Policies Plan, will, amongst many other things, identify opportunity sites within town centres to meet identified needs and review the extent of our existing town centres.
Martin Taylor	Question “Can the council undertake a project to review constant Rates rises, take cognisance of the financial position working families are in and try and reverse the year on year increases. They aren’t fairly distributed. Look on property sales and there is such a wide discrepancy”
Answer: The Council undertakes a comprehensive review of its income and expenditure each year prior to setting the rate for the following year. It aims to keep any rate rises as low as possible. Funding to local Councils has been increasingly reduced in recent years which has an impact on Council considerations regarding resources required to maintain services.
Grant Dillon	Question “Continuous lack of investment and poor landlordship has created Carrickfergus to almost a Ghost town. What are the short and long term policies and commitments that MEA Council have on their books for this historical town?”
Answer: In the FY 2025/26, Council is continuing its programme of funded Revitalisation activity to promote town centre development. This includes further shop front improvement grants, brighter town centre lighting for seasonal evening shopping, smart benches which can be used to charge smart phones and other town centre aesthetic improvements. Moving forward, in FY 2025/26, subject to funding, it is hoped that Carrickfergus will benefit from a new Vacancy and Dereliction Improvement Grant, which it is hoped will lead to current dereliction blackspots coming back into use. There are a number of additional targeted property improvement projects aimed at improving the condition of a number of landmark properties in the Carrick Town Centre, and feasibility design studies are programmed to commence in the near future. Long-term - The Carrickfergus Regeneration Project will help regenerate, reposition, and rebrand the historic town of Carrickfergus - celebrating its incredible past and help shape an inspiring future. This heritage-led transformation project will place Carrickfergus firmly on the map as an authentic tourism hub and the must-visit destination on the internationally renowned Causeway Coastal Route. This project will drive economic growth, attract sustainable tourism, and enhance the quality of life for local communities, ensuring lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. PROJECT COMPONENTS The Carrickfergus Regeneration Project is a multi-faceted transformation project encompassing: State-of-the-art Visitor Centre Dynamic new Arts & Cultural Venue A Town Wall walk bringing history to life by day, illuminated by night Extensive refurbishment and animation of Carrickfergus Castle High-quality targeted public realm improvements Collectively, these elements will celebrate Carrickfergus’s rich heritage while boosting tourism, revitalising the town centre, and creating lasting economic and social benefits for the community.
Sarah Laird	Question “Who agreed and why is £85,000 being wasted to paint murals around Ballymena rather than fixing up the run down boarded up houses and businesses, bringing something entertaining to the town and fixing the roads?? "Tell me... how will painted buildings fix the economy and sheer state of Ballymena? "It's not going to attract visitors having tacky murals painted all over the town.”
Answer: Council was fortunate to receive external funding of £76,500 from the Department for Communities for a new Street Art initiative across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne, aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of town centres, celebrating local identity and engaging communities. The council’s contribution was £8,500. The external funding is ringfenced for town centre regeneration and revitalisation schemes by the Department and therefore Council has no jurisdiction to allocate this funding to fixing roads which is the remit of the Department for Infrastructure. Street Art converts dull or neglected urban areas into vibrant, engaging public spaces that attracts visitors and supports local businesses with increased footfall. The latest town centre post project evaluation surveys have revealed that the Ballymena street art fosters community pride and a shared sense of place. The artwork on Church Street and Greenvale Street received extensive positive comments on social media and was welcomed by the local businesses. Council’s Shop Front Improvement Scheme will also reopen for a third year of applications in the Autumn. To date this scheme has awarded over 150 grants to improve shopfronts within our town centres. In addition, Council is exploring a new capital grant scheme aimed at revitalising town centres. Council Officers are consulting with owners of vacant/derelict commercial property located in the Mid & East Antrim Borough. The feedback received will help shape the new grant scheme which will support property improvements whilst tackling dereliction and vacancy.
Mark Wilson	Question “Has it been considered to evaluate all management positions within the council. "As in what benefits the positions provide are they necessary? "If management could be slimmed down it might be possible to decrease rates for the borough”
Answer: A recent review of senior management roles in the Council has been completed and there is a saving to the Council as a result. This will be included in the rate setting considerations for 2025/26.
Leslie Crothers	Question “Can I ask why council feel it was ok to increase domestic and business rates of up to 10% and at the same meeting the DUP felt it was ok to propose and second their motion to give councillors a increase of there salary / expensive. "My home town of Carrickfergus has fell apart since DUP have had the Strangle hold on this council. "We have no businesses and those that had businesses have had to either lay off staff or close because of the rates and the lack of trade.”
Answer: Rates increases are determined by the financial commitments and priorities of the Council. Funding to councils has continued to decrease in recent years, meaning Councils have to raise their own revenue. Councillors’ allowances are now set by the Department for Communities and any increases are similarly determined.
Iain Mulholland	Question “Instead of wasting £154k on an area beside Woodsides store were the drunks& druggies can hang out Larne main street could do with a lick of paint on the shops shutters etc "Why not hire someone to paint murals of people who have done well in Larne ,Dave boy Macaulay, Garth Macaulay, Michael Hughes, Larne football crest on a gable wall , monologue of pictures of the old buildings, hotels, etc "The Town needs brighten up badly and the people who knock down their buildings so they don't pay rates should be made to pay something it's like a building site”
Answer: Rating policy within Northern Ireland, including any exemptions and reliefs is a matter for the NI Executive through the Department of Finance. Councils do not have the power to change rating policy as it applies to vacant or derelict properties. Council’s Shop Front Improvement Scheme will reopen for a third year of applications in the Autumn. To date this scheme has awarded over 150 grants to improve shopfronts within our town centres. In addition, Council is exploring a new capital grant scheme aimed at revitalising town centres. Council Officers are consulting with owners of vacant/derelict commercial property located in the Mid & East Antrim Borough. The feedback received will help shape the new grant scheme which will support property improvements whilst tackling dereliction and vacancy. There will be extensive community consultation regarding the pop-up park design including signature art pieces and interpretive panels. Council welcomes the suggestions and will consider for the pop-up park and future artwork projects.
Lyndsey Cragg	Question “Why has Mill pond been left to rot? "There's an enormous amount of rubbish/plastic in the pond that the swans/ducks are getting stuck in. "Why is this pond not tended to, cleaned out often? "It does state its a wildlife conservation place, but the water is disgusting and the amount of rubbish in it is not good for the wildlife. "So when is the rubbish going to be lifted from it? "Ive already lifted what I can, but thats not my job. "The only thing I ever see the council do there is empty the overflowing bin.”
Answer: The surrounding area of the pond is litter picked daily, grass cut weekly, and spraying takes place twice a year as it is a high-profile area. The removal of litter in the pond is undertaken by a contractor when they are assigned to remove some of the vegetation – generally this takes place every 5 years unless there is an urgent need to bring the programme forward. Given it is designated as a nature area, Council is mindful not to disturb the natural wildlife, such as nesting birds and as such it will never look manicured.
Mae Black	Question “Ballymena town councillors. "Is each individual councillor just responsible for a certain area or do they take a collective approach to solving problems in any area within this town”
Answer: Each Councillor is elected to a DEA (District Electoral Area) and will support residents in that area, however, is responsible for the collective approach and decision making, ensuring Mid and East Antrim Borough Council sets priorities and makes decisions in the best interests of all residents in the Borough.
Caroline Mone	Question “What are the council going to do for the children of Carrick who have absolutely no where to meet. "Wouldn't a bowling alley, cafe, arcade be a better fit for the bank building, rather than another waste like the knight ride/civic centre?”
Answer: The intention for the Danske Bank is to transform the site into a state-of-the-art visitor centre with retail, café and state of the art immersive virtual reality experience. The site is located centrally within the town, and the rationale for selecting this site for the proposal is to generate footfall into the core of the High Street. The visitor centre will act as a key anchor for tourists when they come to Carrickfergus, with car and coach parking being developed nearby. Council plans a hugely ambitious project for this site that will set the tone for the visitor experience in Carrickfergus.

Tony Feenan

Question

“I would like to enquire about what can done about the level of dog barking in the area?”

Answer:

Council has a statutory duty to investigate noise complaints.

For this to be undertaken and addressed Council require an address for the matter to be investigated.

If someone has a complaint and wishes to contact Environmental Health directly the opportunity can be taken for a formal or informal response to be initiated.

Linda Weir

Question

“Why does our Council have so many more closed meetings than anywhere else in Northern Ireland?”

Answer:

Discussions in a closed part of a meeting happen due to a number of factors.

Each time this is set out on agendas/minutes.

MEA cannot comment on the closed meetings in other Councils as it is unaware of the nature of business in each of the other 10 Councils.

MEA aims to have as much in open Council/Committee meetings as possible.

Colleen Long

Question

“The old swift building at the castle car park is an eye sore and there are several old air conditioning units sitting on the pavement outside.

"Is there nothing council can do to remove these units?

"Not only are they unsightly but I’m sure they are a health and safety hazard.”

Answer:

Council Officers will undertake a site visit to investigate the circumstances and determine if there is legislation available to act upon this matter.

If no formal action can be taken communication will be sent to the owner.

William McNeill

Question

“How much of the money from the sale of the former council offices in Larne is going on projects in the Larne area and not directly to other constituencies of the Borough?”

Answer:

The Sale of any Council asset must be used for capital purposes.

Council is currently progressing a number of capital projects that will benefit the Larne ratepayers.

Carnfunnock at an overall cost of circa £8.9m with a cost to Council of circa £2.2m, Larne Cemetery at a cost of circa £2.8m

Recently there has been work completed on a new play park at Bardic Drive at a cost of circa £180k; an upgrade to Larne Town Park MUGA at a cost of circa £226k and provision of a skate park at Larne Town Park at a cost of circa £220k.

Wendy Muir

Question

“Can you please justify how you can spend £85,000 on wall murals, especially in light of the appalling state of our leisure centre and you telling local sports clubs there is no money for additional facilities or upgrading of existing facilities.”

Answer:

Council was fortunate to receive external funding of £76,500 from the Department for Communities for a new Street Art initiative across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne, aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of town centres, celebrating local identity and engaging communities.

The Council’s contribution was £8,500.

The external funding is ringfenced for town centre regeneration and revitalisation schemes by the Department and therefore Council has no jurisdiction to change this funding allocation to upgrading of leisure facilities.

To date money was committed in the Capital Plan for the design of the replacement leisure centre at St Patrick’s link, to take it to planning stage.

This planning is almost completed. In the absence of external funding Council is exploring alternative funding models to deliver the new build.

There is ongoing essential maintenance carried out in Seven Towers, some key elements will be considered for progress in the next while.

Kenny Brown

Question

“Yes funding for facelifts is all very well. But many building/sites have been empty for years if not decades.

When will the council finally focus on a Carrickfergus town planning policy of future proofing our town?

Vesting, demo and rezoning areas and buildings neglected or empty to bring into use to Revive our towns.”

Answer:

Council is currently running an Expression of Interest for a potential grant-based programme to tackle areas of concentrated vacancy and dereliction.

If funding is secured, it is hoped to launch this in FY 2025/26.

As part of this programme, Council is researching greater use of Vesting powers, with a view to have an enforcement option on derelict properties, as well as a grant-based incentive to improve town centre occupancy.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council adopted its Local Development Plan 2030 Plan Strategy in October 2023, which includes a suite of planning policies specifically relating to Retailing and Town Centres within our Borough.

Our Retail and Town Centre planning policies aim to protect and sustain the vitality and viability of our established town centres.

We are currently preparing our Local Policies Plan, the second document to make up the Local Development Plan, our Local Policies Plan, will, amongst many other things, identify opportunity sites within town centres to meet identified needs and review the extent of our existing town centres.

Martin Taylor

Question

“Can the council undertake a project to review constant Rates rises, take cognisance of the financial position working families are in and try and reverse the year on year increases.

They aren’t fairly distributed. Look on property sales and there is such a wide discrepancy”

Answer:

The Council undertakes a comprehensive review of its income and expenditure each year prior to setting the rate for the following year.

It aims to keep any rate rises as low as possible.

Funding to local Councils has been increasingly reduced in recent years which has an impact on Council considerations regarding resources required to maintain services.

Grant Dillon

Question

“Continuous lack of investment and poor landlordship has created Carrickfergus to almost a Ghost town.

What are the short and long term policies and commitments that MEA Council have on their books for this historical town?”

Answer:

In the FY 2025/26, Council is continuing its programme of funded Revitalisation activity to promote town centre development.

This includes further shop front improvement grants, brighter town centre lighting for seasonal evening shopping, smart benches which can be used to charge smart phones and other town centre aesthetic improvements.

Moving forward, in FY 2025/26, subject to funding, it is hoped that Carrickfergus will benefit from a new Vacancy and Dereliction Improvement Grant, which it is hoped will lead to current dereliction blackspots coming back into use.

There are a number of additional targeted property improvement projects aimed at improving the condition of a number of landmark properties in the Carrick Town Centre, and feasibility design studies are programmed to commence in the near future.

Long-term - The Carrickfergus Regeneration Project will help regenerate, reposition, and rebrand the historic town of Carrickfergus - celebrating its incredible past and help shape an inspiring future.

This heritage-led transformation project will place Carrickfergus firmly on the map as an authentic tourism hub and the must-visit destination on the internationally renowned Causeway Coastal Route.

This project will drive economic growth, attract sustainable tourism, and enhance the quality of life for local communities, ensuring lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

PROJECT COMPONENTS

The Carrickfergus Regeneration Project is a multi-faceted transformation project encompassing:

State-of-the-art Visitor Centre
Dynamic new Arts & Cultural Venue
A Town Wall walk bringing history to life by day, illuminated by night
Extensive refurbishment and animation of Carrickfergus Castle
High-quality targeted public realm improvements

Collectively, these elements will celebrate Carrickfergus’s rich heritage while boosting tourism, revitalising the town centre, and creating lasting economic and social benefits for the community.

Sarah Laird

Question

“Who agreed and why is £85,000 being wasted to paint murals around Ballymena rather than fixing up the run down boarded up houses and businesses, bringing something entertaining to the town and fixing the roads??

"Tell me... how will painted buildings fix the economy and sheer state of Ballymena?

"It's not going to attract visitors having tacky murals painted all over the town.”

Answer:

The council’s contribution was £8,500.

The external funding is ringfenced for town centre regeneration and revitalisation schemes by the Department and therefore Council has no jurisdiction to allocate this funding to fixing roads which is the remit of the Department for Infrastructure.

Street Art converts dull or neglected urban areas into vibrant, engaging public spaces that attracts visitors and supports local businesses with increased footfall.

The latest town centre post project evaluation surveys have revealed that the Ballymena street art fosters community pride and a shared sense of place.

The artwork on Church Street and Greenvale Street received extensive positive comments on social media and was welcomed by the local businesses.

Council’s Shop Front Improvement Scheme will also reopen for a third year of applications in the Autumn.

To date this scheme has awarded over 150 grants to improve shopfronts within our town centres.

In addition, Council is exploring a new capital grant scheme aimed at revitalising town centres.

Council Officers are consulting with owners of vacant/derelict commercial property located in the Mid & East Antrim Borough.

The feedback received will help shape the new grant scheme which will support property improvements whilst tackling dereliction and vacancy.

Mark Wilson

Question

“Has it been considered to evaluate all management positions within the council.

"As in what benefits the positions provide are they necessary?

"If management could be slimmed down it might be possible to decrease rates for the borough”

Answer:

A recent review of senior management roles in the Council has been completed and there is a saving to the Council as a result.

This will be included in the rate setting considerations for 2025/26.

Leslie Crothers

Question

“Can I ask why council feel it was ok to increase domestic and business rates of up to 10% and at the same meeting the DUP felt it was ok to propose and second their motion to give councillors a increase of there salary / expensive.

"My home town of Carrickfergus has fell apart since DUP have had the Strangle hold on this council.

"We have no businesses and those that had businesses have had to either lay off staff or close because of the rates and the lack of trade.”

Answer:

Rates increases are determined by the financial commitments and priorities of the Council.

Funding to councils has continued to decrease in recent years, meaning Councils have to raise their own revenue.

Councillors’ allowances are now set by the Department for Communities and any increases are similarly determined.

Iain Mulholland

Question

“Instead of wasting £154k on an area beside Woodsides store were the drunks& druggies can hang out Larne main street could do with a lick of paint on the shops shutters etc

"Why not hire someone to paint murals of people who have done well in Larne ,Dave boy Macaulay, Garth Macaulay, Michael Hughes, Larne football crest on a gable wall , monologue of pictures of the old buildings, hotels, etc

"The Town needs brighten up badly and the people who knock down their buildings so they don't pay rates should be made to pay something it's like a building site”

Answer:

Rating policy within Northern Ireland, including any exemptions and reliefs is a matter for the NI Executive through the Department of Finance. Councils do not have the power to change rating policy as it applies to vacant or derelict properties.

Council’s Shop Front Improvement Scheme will reopen for a third year of applications in the Autumn.

To date this scheme has awarded over 150 grants to improve shopfronts within our town centres.

In addition, Council is exploring a new capital grant scheme aimed at revitalising town centres.

Council Officers are consulting with owners of vacant/derelict commercial property located in the Mid & East Antrim Borough.

The feedback received will help shape the new grant scheme which will support property improvements whilst tackling dereliction and vacancy.

There will be extensive community consultation regarding the pop-up park design including signature art pieces and interpretive panels.

Council welcomes the suggestions and will consider for the pop-up park and future artwork projects.

Lyndsey Cragg

Question

“Why has Mill pond been left to rot?

"There's an enormous amount of rubbish/plastic in the pond that the swans/ducks are getting stuck in.

"Why is this pond not tended to, cleaned out often?

"It does state its a wildlife conservation place, but the water is disgusting and the amount of rubbish in it is not good for the wildlife.

"So when is the rubbish going to be lifted from it?

"Ive already lifted what I can, but thats not my job.

"The only thing I ever see the council do there is empty the overflowing bin.”

Answer:

The surrounding area of the pond is litter picked daily, grass cut weekly, and spraying takes place twice a year as it is a high-profile area.

The removal of litter in the pond is undertaken by a contractor when they are assigned to remove some of the vegetation – generally this takes place every 5 years unless there is an urgent need to bring the programme forward.

Given it is designated as a nature area, Council is mindful not to disturb the natural wildlife, such as nesting birds and as such it will never look manicured.

Mae Black

Question

“Ballymena town councillors.

"Is each individual councillor just responsible for a certain area or do they take a collective approach to solving problems in any area within this town”

Answer:

Each Councillor is elected to a DEA (District Electoral Area) and will support residents in that area, however, is responsible for the collective approach and decision making, ensuring Mid and East Antrim Borough Council sets priorities and makes decisions in the best interests of all residents in the Borough.

Caroline Mone

Question

“What are the council going to do for the children of Carrick who have absolutely no where to meet.

"Wouldn't a bowling alley, cafe, arcade be a better fit for the bank building, rather than another waste like the knight ride/civic centre?”

Answer:

The intention for the Danske Bank is to transform the site into a state-of-the-art visitor centre with retail, café and state of the art immersive virtual reality experience.

The site is located centrally within the town, and the rationale for selecting this site for the proposal is to generate footfall into the core of the High Street.

The visitor centre will act as a key anchor for tourists when they come to Carrickfergus, with car and coach parking being developed nearby.

Council plans a hugely ambitious project for this site that will set the tone for the visitor experience in Carrickfergus.

Public Questions to Council

Public Questions to Council

Answers to Public Questions

Public Questions and Answers - September 2025: