PART VFUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT COUNCILS IN RELATION TO TOURISM

Provision by district councils of tourist amenities30

1

A district council may, after consultation with the Board, provide or assist any other body or person in the provision of any tourist amenity.

2

A district council may acquire land otherwise than by agreement for the purposes of this Article.

3

Where any tourist amenity is provided by a district council under this Article, it shall have power—

a

generally to maintain the tourist amenity and any land on which it is provided and any ancillary amenities or facilities provided under sub‐paragraph ( b);

b

to carry out such ancillary works and provide such ancillary amenities, facilities or services as are in the opinion of the council necessary or desirable for the better use and enjoyment of the tourist amenity, including (without prejudice to the foregoing) the power—

i

to lay out and construct entrances, roads and footpaths and to erect walls and fences;

ii

to provide sanitary and toilet facilities, shelters, seating, receptacles for litter and information signs;

iii

to improve the appearance of the area in which the tourist amenity is provided by planting trees, shrubs or flowers or by laying out any part of the area as a garden or pleasure ground;

c

to make byelaws for the purpose of regulating the use of the tourist amenity and preserving order within the area of the tourist amenity;

d

to make such charges as it thinks fit in respect of the tourist amenity, including charges for admission to or the use of the amenity.

Transfer of tourist amenity or land to the National Trust31

1

A district council may, with the consent of the Department of Finance and Personnel, transfer to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty any tourist amenity provided or maintained by the council under Article 30 or land acquired by the council for the purposes of that Article.

2

Stamp duty shall not be chargeable on any instrument executed for the purpose of effecting any transfer under paragraph (1).

3

Section 96(5) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972F1 shall not apply to any transfer of land under paragraph (1).

Power of district councils to advertise and promote tourism within its district32

1

A district council may, either alone or in combination with any other body (including the Board)—

a

advertise, or otherwise publicise, the advantages and amenities as a holiday, pleasure or health resort of the district of the council or any part thereof;

b

organise or arrange entertainments or other activities which in the opinion of the council would promote or encourage the development of tourism in the district of the council or encourage persons residing elsewhere to visit within that district;

c

assist any body or person organising or arranging such entertainments or other activities;

d

provide advisory and information services in relation to tourist amenities and tourist accommodation within its district.

2

A district council shall consult with the Board before exercising any powers conferred by this Article unless those powers are to be exercised in combination with the Board.