Although reassurances have been offered regarding the protection of the public right of way, and the proposed Abandonment Order of the stretch of road fronting the former Marconis Cottage and onwards towards Fairhead, it would appear that the current legislative position is in conflict with these opinions.... The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, states....... 'which in effect relinquishes any responsibility for maintenance of the road and any public right of way over it is extinguished'.  

The duty to assert public rights of way is one of the council’s most important duties. http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/public-rights-of-way

Council’s duties and powers
Councils have a duty to:

Assert, protect and keep open and free from obstruction any public right of way, make and preserve maps of the rights of way in its area, signpost paths, where necessary, to help anyone who does not know the area and contribute at least a quarter of the cost of maintaining stiles and gates

Any possible re-routing of this public right of way is not considered acceptable.

There are a series of ancient saltworks on the foreshore alongside Carrickmore Road, one of them is located at the north-east corner of this property. There's a strong possibility that these could form part of the proposed Atlantic Salt Trail and become an additional key tourism feature in Moyle alongside Bushmills Distillery, the Giants Causeway and Carrickarede Rope Bridge.

We, the undersigned, have considered the The Carrickmore Road, Ballycastle Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015.

We note and state, for the avoidance of all doubt, that the contents of said order are objectionable to us and take the opportunity afforded, as persons impacted significantly and adversely by the proposed order, to state clearly the loss of amenity and local cultural heritage which will arise should said order be implemented.

We note that said order seeks the abandonment of a key section of the route between Ballycastle beach and Fair Head, an important leisure, cultural and heritage link for the Ballycastle, Torr and Carey communities.

That a historically important link of this nature should be severed to the detriment of the community is unconscionable and no rationale for the suggested action is provided by the Department in their decision to introduce the act nor apparent to us as impacted persons. The fundamental purpose of the order is not made known to us.

We note that the area forms part of a public road and is heavily utilised by the community at the current time. We are of the opinion that the status quo should be maintained.  We note that inadequate consultation has been carried out by the Department and that the area impacted is not sufficiently defined within the documents provided to the public. We note and assert our rights to access to environmental justice and participation in environmental decision making as guaranteed by the Århus Convention.

We note also that the actions of all public undertakers are subject to review by the courts and put the Department on notice of our standing to request such review, in timely fashion if and when required.