Roy Beggs Jnr., MLA -> My Constituency East Antrim

East Antrim: Constituency Profile
My constituency of East Antrim stretches from north of Belfast along the North Eastern coast of Northern Ireland, taking in the boroughs of Larne, Carrickfergus and part of Newtownabbey. East Antrim is home to over 84,000 people.

East Antrim

East Antrim is a diverse region of urban and rural, from the bustling towns of Larne and Carrickfergus, quiet seaside villages like Carnlough and Glenarm, nestled along the world-renowned Antrim Coast road, to Monkstown and Jordanstown at the southern end of the constituency.

East Antrim Past and Present
East Antrim has a long and rich history. Much of its character has been shaped by its close proximity to Scotland - visible on all but the rainiest of days just across the North Channel. The waves of population moving across the 'sheugh' over the centuries have given the people a distinctive accent and outlook on life. The language of 'Ulster Scots' is still very much alive and experiencing a major revival in East Antrim.

Carrickfergus Castle, whose official records date back to 1210 is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Few buildings in Ireland have such a well-chronicled and fascinating history. The castle has been fully restored to its former glory and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Carrickfergus Castle

As the second busiest ferry port in the United Kingdom and a natural harbour, Larne is known as the "Gateway to Ulster". It has a rich maritime past, which is strongly reflected in the town's industrial and seafaring traditions. In modern history the town played a prominent role in Ulster's success during the Industrial Revolution and became a hotbed for the linen and other textile industries.

East Antrim has seen substantial improvements in recent years with the recently completed £30 million Carrickfergus Waterfront marina project complete with cinema, restaurants and executive apartments. The wide range of food offered by the many restaurants and cafés in both main towns are complemented by a vibrant nightlife with friendly local people in the pubs and bars. A new multi-million pound marina has also been developed along the Coast Road in the picturesque seaside village of Glenarm attracting visitors from all over the United Kingdom and Europe.

East Antrim also boasts a major campus of the University of Ulster, recognised worldwide for its high level of academic standards. The University based in Jordanstown, at the southern end of the constituency currently has 11,500 students making it one of the largest educational establishments in Northern Ireland. Close links have been developed between industry, the University and the East Antrim Institute of Further Education.

East Antrim is expanding both demographically and economically. Major international companies such as FG Wilson Engineering Ltd., and Nortel Networks run their European operations in the constituency. With a highly trained and motivated workforce, East Antrim has established itself as a centre of excellence in the fields of telecommunications and engineering.

Why Visit East Antrim?
Although I could be accused of being biased, in my opinion East Antrim is one of the most beautiful regions in Northern Ireland and offers the traveller some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Anyone who drives down the Coast Road from Belfast via Jordanstown, Carrickfergus and Larne through the Glens of Antrim will soon see why I hold the rugged beauty of the Antrim coastline in such high regard. Panoramic views of rolling glens and blue seas stretch over to the west coast of Scotland. It is little wonder such beautiful scenery is so often the subject matter of paintings by internationally renowned local artist Sam McLarnon.

How to get to East Antrim
Easily accessible by road and sea, and with both major airports in close proximity, the major town's of Carrickfergus and Larne are located approximately 10 and 20 miles north of Belfast respectively. Regular train and bus services also serve both towns from the capital. With up to 38 sailings a day between Larne and the UK mainland, the region is also easily accessible by sea via the shortest and fastest crossing on the Irish Sea. Passengers can sail between Larne and Scotland in less than one hour on the P&O fast ferry service. This is the fastest, shortest crossing across the Irish Sea.

Useful links:

Larne Borough Council
Carrickfergus Borough Council
Newtownabbey Borough Council
Northern Ireland : Causeway Coast and Glens - The Causeway Coast and Glens is an area of unsurpassed beauty, a unique fusion of tangible heritage and magnificent scenery.
Northern Ireland Tourist Board - Northern Ireland travel and tourist information: The official travel guide to Northern Ireland.

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Beggs highlights Extended Schools Budget Failure of Junior Ministers
Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his surprise and disappointment that Children’s Funding for a valuable after schools club at Antiville, Larne along with many other After Schools Clubs throughout NI has to date not been renewed
01/05/08
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Larne West Needs More than Just Houses: Beggs
Local Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has called for Planning Service to review the development of ‘Larne West’.
29/04/08
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Beggs highlights Budget Failure of Junior Ministers
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has expressed his surprise and disappointment that Children’s Funding for a valuable after schools club at Antiville, Larne along with many other After Schools Clubs throughout NI has to date not been renewed.
29/04/08
Full Text

Action Needed to Catch Rates Avoiders
East Antrim MLA, Roy Beggs, has called for better sharing of information to identify those avoiding paying domestic rates and a review of penalties for those who are found to be deliberately cheating the rates system.
03/03/08
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