Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      In September 2002 a report was taken to the Parks and Amenities Sub-Committee regarding a Strategic review of Off?Road Cycling In Northern Ireland.  At this time the Sub?Committee agreed in principle to the possible development of a dedicated mountain biking facility on Cave Hill and its future management arrangements.  Since 2002 a range of different funding sources have been explored and a subsequent report was taken to Special Community & Recreation (Parks and Cemeteries) in January 2006 seeking approval to submit an application to the Sports Lottery Fund and to continue discussions with the various stakeholders.

      Following approval from the Parks and Amenities Sub?Committee to investigate funding from the Sports Lottery for a purpose built down-hill mountain biking facility at Cave Hill, officers consulted   with   Belfast   Activity   Centre,   Countryside

Activities Network (CAAN) and local residents through the Cave Hill Conservation Group. There was an overriding feeling, particularly from the Cave Hill residents, that such a facility would attract large numbers of specialised down-hill mountain bikers from a wide area to Cave Hill, as it would be the only facility of its kind in the east of the province. This could lead to over use of the hill and present a danger and nuisance to other users, for example walkers. After discussion it was felt that such a facility would not be popular among residents and walkers on the hill, and was not appropriate for this site.  The original proposals are therefore not being pursued.

Key Issues

      Mountain Biking is an ever increasing sport within the Belfast area.  Currently there are no off road facilities available to enable users to pursue this activity, this has lead to the creation of unauthorized trails.  These unauthorized trails have been built on a number of Council sites, namely Cave Hill CountryPark, Barnett Demesne and Mary Peters.  These trails are currently being removed by Council officers but are quickly being rebuilt; these trails are not sanctioned and are potentially very dangerous. 

      Talks with some local mountain bikers have taken place, with Officers explaining that they are currently repairing some paths within Cave Hill Country Park and Officers fear that if mountain biking on the site is not managed correctly then the damage caused to these new paths could be substantial. 

      To try to remove mountain biking from Cave Hill CountryPark would be a very costly exercise in terms of man hours and possibly with little success given the nature of the sport.

      Officers are requesting permission to continue talks with the local mountain biking representatives and other interested parties to try to accommodate the sport within the Country Park and to explore avenues of funding available.  The benefits of such being that we are pro-actively pursuing an outdoor activity, which has huge health benefits to Belfast rate payers, seeking to reduce existing user conflict and making the Country Park a positive visitor attraction.  If we do not tackle this problem then the unsanctioned trails will continue to be built in an unregulated manner, leaving huge health and safety implications for the Council, the complaints will continue from members of the public and the damage to other areas of woodland within the Country park could be substantial.

Resource Implications

      Financial

      Other than staff time there are no specific costs relevant to this matter.

      Human Resources

      These talks are being carried out by Anne Reid, Fintan Grant, and Brendan Toland.

      Asset and Other Implications

      None.

Recommendations

      It is recommended that Officers be given permission to continue talks with the local mountain biking representatives and to try to accommodate their sport in a manageable way within Cave Hill Country Park, exploring sources of funding, reporting back to the Committee any detailed proposals.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.