Tourism NI launches next stage of public engagement on future of Causeway Coastal Route

Supported through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, an audit, which was launched last year, is reviewing existing signage and infrastructure along the route.

The overarching aim of the audit is to provide greater alignment and synergy between the visitor experience on the Causeway Coastal Route with that experienced on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Paul Hogarth Company were appointed last year as the consultancy team to undertake the audit and they have been working closely with Tandem Design.

A public survey carried out as part of the first round of public engagement revealed that while the Causeway Coastal route is much loved, it is negatively impacted by infrastructure issues including road conditions, congestion and parking, particularly at popular destinations along the route.

Now, as part of a second stage of engagement, The Paul Hogarth Company want to hear from residents, business owners and interest groups along the Causeway Coastal Route in relation to improving signage and wayfinding along the 120-mile stretch.

A strong theme from the initial consultation was that signage was inconsistent, unclear or of poor-quality.

It is hoped that signage can be streamlined, updated and enhanced to help people move through the landscape more confidently and enjoyably, while respecting the character and capacity of each location.

The public input will be used to shape a final Action Plan, which will guide the delivery of signage and wayfinding improvements along the route.

It will also help identify priority areas for improvements, support consistent, place-sensitive design, and align with other emerging plans and funding opportunities.

As part of the second round of engagement, a public information drop-in session will take place at the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle on Thursday, May 15 from 3pm until 7pm.

An online survey will also be available from next week, with further details to follow.

Esther Dobbin, Regions and Investment Manager at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism Northern Ireland is delighted with the progress of the Causeway Coastal Route audit to date.

“We would encourage everyone with an interest in the Causeway Coastal Route to complete the online survey or attend the public engagement session to share their thoughts and ideas on the emerging infrastructure strategy.”

James Hennessey, Director at The Paul Hogarth Company said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland on this important project.

“The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the island’s most iconic journeys, and this strategy is about ensuring it remains a world-class experience for visitors and communities alike.

“Public input is central to shaping the future of the route, and we look forward to hearing people’s views during this next stage of engagement.”