Euro 16 '˜fan zone' hopes

With the Northern Ireland team making its debut at the international football competition in France this summer, supporters have been lobbying elected representatives to provide a focal point in the town to follow the action.

Earlier this year, Councillor Cheryl Johnston, DUP colleague David Hilditch MLA and Carrick PUP representative Jim McCaw issued a joint statement on the matter.

“We wish the council to consider providing an opportunity for those that are unable to travel to France by creating the electric atmosphere in Carrickfergus itself,” the statement read. “Hopefully for a small outlay there would be an economic benefit to local communities and businesses if localised events where organised during the campaign in June.”

Responding, MEA Council indicated that it is “awaiting confirmation of the channels on which the matches will be screened and the associated costs before any final decision can be made”.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure added: “The provision of big screens for citizens is not one which is funded by the department, though we would be willing to explore the possibility of supporting events that could take place around screenings which would help to develop or promote sport and physical activity.”