To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on any discussions he has had with (i) Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; (ii) Sport NI; and (iii) Causeway Association of Urban Sports, in relation to the creation of a skate park in Portrush.

I have not been involved in discussions with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council nor Causeway Association of Urban Sports (CAUS) regarding the creation of a skatepark in Portrush.

However, my officials worked closely with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in recent years as part of the regeneration of the Portrush Recreation Grounds (PRG) at Ramore Avenue. The regeneration scheme, which completed in March 2023, includes an urban plaza that acts as a public space that can also accommodate skateboarding and other urban sports.

While under the Recreation and Youth Service Order (NI) 1986 Article 10, local Councils have responsibility for the provision of recreational, social, physical and cultural facilities and activities, I sought the requested information from Sport NI, in relation to any discussions it may have had with either the Council or CAUS about the development of a skatepark in Portrush.

As this issue is an operational matter for Sport NI, I can confirm that its Chief Executive advised me as follows:

“Sport NI Infrastructure Team has had no specific discussions with Causeway Coast & Glens Council regarding a skatepark in Portrush. During various conversations, the Council has mentioned a strong lobby (from urban sports groups) for a skatepark in Portrush, therefore Sport NI are aware of the potential demand. However, we have no information on project proposals or what stage those proposals are at.”

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with Sport NI will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.