At this evening's Environmental Services Committee meeting, Council debated Lidl's request to designate Coleraine and Ballymoney as holiday resorts, allowing for extended Sunday opening hours.
The proposal comes on the heels of previous designations of Portrush, Portstewart, and Ballycastle under the same legislation, enabling larger shops to operate longer on 18 Sundays between 1st March and 30th September.
The discussion highlighted the necessity of public consultation before any designation, with the Council mandated to maintain a register of shops benefiting from this exemption.
A similar proposal in 2021 for Coleraine failed due to lack of support.
Alderman Fielding and Alderman Callan opposed Lidl's request, expressing concerns that it was unnecessary and citing previous union concerns about added pressure on retail workers.
Despite these concerns, Councillor Wilson and Councillor Kane presented a more ambivalent stance.
They acknowledged potential job creation benefits but recognised the additional strain on small businesses and retail staff.
Councillors Wilson and Kane adopted a strategy of consulting with residents and businesses before making any decisions.
After a robust debate, the decision to move forward with a public consultation narrowly passed, overturning Alderman Fielding's initial proposal to reject Lidl's request.
Councillors debated the effectiveness of traditional advertisements in local papers due to readership/circulation, suggesting a more targeted approach. This could involve engaging with the Chamber of Commerce and leveraging online platforms to gather meaningful public input.
The consultation aims to involve the public and relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the community's needs and concerns are at the forefront of any decision.
The item of business must be approved at the full council meeting scheduled for the end of the month.
About Geoffrey Moffett
Geoffrey Moffett is a local content creator contributing to various media publications across Northern Ireland and the mainland.
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