Slipways

• Normal Opening Times

  Both slipways are open as follows:

  • March to October 8am – 8pm
  • November & February – 9am to 5pm (Fri – Sun)
  • December & January – Closed

   

• Large Slipway

  The Large Slipway is located adjacent to the Gateway Centre and is for use by Lough Neagh Rescue Boats and other pleasure boats, (no jet-skis permitted).

  A License Plate Recognition barrier is in place at the Large Slipway.

  Access to this barrier is available only by pre-registration and payment of £30.00 per season – a typical season being February to November.   The cost remains the same no matter when in the season you register.

  • Casual Users – proof of £3 million public liability insurance is required.
  • Commercial Users – proof of £3 million public liability insurance is required as well as a completed Risk Assessment Form. 

  Please Note:  The barrier only recognises vehicle number plates which are British Standard – more information on this can be found at the link below:

  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-registration-numbers-and-number-plates

  To Register:

  Please contact Parks Admin Team to register and make payment.  Please allow up to 5 working days for your application to be processed and your registration completed.

  The Parks Admin Team can be contacted as follows:

  • Email: parksadmin@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
  • Tel: 028 9034 0139
  • Live Chat: look for the purple icon at bottom right of screen

   

• Jet Ski Slipway

  The small slipway (for jet ski use only) at the end of the car park next to the entrance to Rea’s Wood is available at no charge, please register for use using the same registration form.

  Please note proof of £3 million public liability insurance must be provided.

  The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023​

  The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023 came into force on Friday 31 March 2023 and puts the responsibility on users, operators and owners of powered watercraft to make sure they protect not just themselves but other water users from harm.

  It means that anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine, thanks to a change in the law

  Under the new law, the parts of the Merchant Shipping Act designed to keep all those on the water safe from accidents now apply to powered watercraft as well as to fishing vessels and larger ships. The new law also mean powered watercraft must obey the ‘rules of the sea’, which are designed to prevent collisions.

  View The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023 (RYA Website)

   

  Downloads

  • Casual User Slipway Registration Form
  • Commercial and Group User Slipway Registration Form 
  • Risk Assessment Sample Template
  • Slipway Privacy Notice
  • Slipway Rules and Regulations