Commenting on the decision, which is subject to ratification by full Council, Councillor Muir said: “Pushed through just as the Northern Ireland Assembly was collapsing, the new Special Events on Roads legislation is continuing to have a detrimental impact upon community and voluntary groups bringing ridiculous levels of bureaucracy and significant fees just as we are trying to encourage active lifestyles and community participation.
“With Groomsport 10K / Half Marathon now cancelled, Ards Half Marathon not held in 2018 and Holywood May Day Festivities previously endangered as a result of this legislation I am keen to find a much more satisfactory situation whilst recognising limited Council powers in the absence of the NI Executive to repeal this bad law. I therefore tabled a Motion in June last year on the issue and am delighted to see Council officers now present a number of proposals which will help mitigate impact of the legislation.
“A much improved situation is now on the horizon with the £100 cost of advertising events proposed by community/voluntary groups now to be waived and funds set aside from the Recycling Community Investment Fund to cover some of the costs incurred. I would like to thank Council officers for the work undertaken and will keep the issue under review whilst we wait for devolved government to be re-established to get rid of this unreasonable law.”