The 320 berth Carrickfergus Marina on Belfast Lough and smaller harbours and launching facilities on the Antrim Coast and on the River Bann owned by Mid and East Antrim Council are the latest to hit the buffers due to Covid-19 writes Betty Armstrong.
The others are Carnlough and Glenarm farther north, as well as Portglenone on the Bann. The closure applies also to a range of smaller facilities and launching slipways.
Glenarm is a 40-berth facility and an ideal stopping off point for passage north or south in the North Channel. Carnlough’s harbour has been renovated and is used by pleasure boats and small fishing boats. The 30 berth Portglenone Marina lies on the River Bann about 9 miles west of Ballymena.
The closure exceptions are emergencies and essential maintenance (including electricity top-ups). The five liveaboards in Carrickfergus will still be allowed to stay and use the toilet and washing facilities.
The five liveaboards in Carrickfergus will still be allowed to stay and use the toilet and washing facilities
But all the Marina buildings will remain closed until further notice although security at Carrickfergus will continue 24/7. The office is closed to the public and to berth holders and others need to contact the council to arrange essential access to the area. (+ 44 0 300 124 5000)
Carnlough Harbour Photo: courtesy Tourism NI
A Notice to Mariners has been issued to discourage visiting boats, advising of the closure. Routine inspections on the sites for essential Health and Safety issues will continue with maintenance restricted to essential H & S issues.
One welcome concession is that the Council is willing to defer the payment of the fees until 30th June 2020.
The Council says that it is impossible to gauge the length of any restrictions that are in place at present or may in the future be imposed but the situation is being kept under review.
