Council-owned carparks in Antrim and Newtownabbey could be opened for outdoor cinemas.
That was a suggestion made by Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop at Tuesday evening’s remote meeting of the borough council.
Cllr Dunlop said that he would like to see the local authority work with cinema operators in the borough and asked for this potential to be explored.
Drive-in cinemas are permitted as part of an easing of lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland.
And two Newtownabbey churches have already requested permission to hold drive-in services at council-owned carparks.
Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church and Abbots Cross Congregational Church wish to make use of this council facility.
Trinity is seeking the use of the theatre car park at either Mossley Mill or at Ballyearl Leisure Centre and Abbots Cross Congregational wish to avail of the Valley Leisure Centre carpark.
Drive-in church services have been permitted by the Northern Ireland Executive under a relaxation of Covid-19 lockdown rules as long as people stay in their cars.
Macedon Alliance Alderman Billy Webb suggested that the council needs to have a policy relating to each of its carparks.
Glengormley Sinn Fein Councillor Michael Goodman said: “The idea of a first come first served process is suitable. Hopefully this is going to be a short term measure."
Cllr Goodman stated that his only concern, given the council’s “financial situation” would be the potential cost to council.
Glengormley Alderman Mark Cosgrove, who proposed the recommendation to approve the request, indicated that a “minimal cost” may be involved for use of council carparks.
Threemilewater Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell noted: “We do not know how long this will go on. Cinema has the potential for noise and disturbance. We need to set some ground rules.”
Ald Cosgrove asked the council’s Chief Executive Jacqui Dixon to bring a report back to the next meeting to “flesh out a proper policy on issues raised to include financial costs incurred by council”, adding that the local authority “needs to be cautious during this period”.
