Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Leisure and Development Committee voted against a joint bid for the 2028 Town of Culture award from Limavady and Ballycastle. The vote was five in favour and nine against during the February meeting.

DUP Alderman Aaron Callan proposed at the full council meeting that month that the council submit a bid for Limavady alone ahead of the March 31 deadline. He noted Limavady's role as the birthplace of the Londonderry Air, known as Danny Boy, and as host to the Steinbeck Festival and Stendhal Festival.

Sinn Féin Councillor Cara McShane suggested combining efforts with Ballycastle, citing local interest from groups there. She pointed to Ballycastle's cultural assets, including the YARN complex, Rathlin Sound Festival, and the annual Auld Lammas Fair, described as Ireland's oldest fair. The town also hosts a Rock and Blues Festival.

Julie Welsh, the council's head of service for community and culture, explained that a Strategic Investment Board officer had already advanced work on the Limavady bid under tight timelines. Alderman Callan accepted the idea in principle but raised concerns over available time and resources. SDLP Councillor Ashleen Schenning agreed a joint bid would be ideal but worried it could weaken the submission.

Councillor McShane described her input as a response to Ballycastle's arts sector and expressed willingness to target the 2031 award instead. The Town of Culture programme recognises places with strong cultural plans as part of the UK's City of Culture initiative.