Club President Jim Archer greets David Jackson, with club members Des Moore (L) and John McHenry (R)

Coleraine Probus were given an interesting look into the future of our area, when the Chief Officer of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC) came to talk to the members. The main objective of David's talk was, he said, to update members on the progress the new CCGBC had made since its formation.

David gave a comprehensive outline of his extensive career path from attending RBAI, to a Kibbutz in Israel, then University for a Civil Engineering course followed by a term in the British Army. Before his appointment as CEO of our Council, David had a period as a Management Consultant with Price Waterhouse Cooper.

The 2009 Review of Public Administration lead to the reorganisation of Local Authorities resulting in the amalgamation of the Coleraine, Limavady, Ballymoney and Moyle Councils. 141,000 people live in the new Council area, a region of outstanding natural beauty extending from Ballykelly to seven of the nine Glens of Antrim and taking in the Northern edge of the Sperrins.

Although our area has huge manufacturing and environmental challenges which require addressing, David did give hope for 450 high value jobs in the area, the development of small and medium business enterprises together with the DARG Ballykelly site, the Enterprise Zone at the Ulster University, the 2019 British Open Golf Championship and the possibility of hosting the Irish Open at Portstewart Golf Club in 2017, all of which will give a welcome exposure for the Council area.

The council, in order to engage with the people, are planning to organise a series of face to face road shows which will give contact with Councillors, MLA’s and MP’s. The Club members, being highly impressed with David’s presentation engaged in an enthusiastic question and answer session, which gave all those attending a positive view of a brighter future.

For more information:

About the Council - Just 'Click' the link below (this will open in a new window)

Council Strategy - Just 'Click' the link below (this will open in a new window)