A planning application has been lodged for a children’s go-kart fun ride area at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne. The proposal, put forward on behalf of Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone operators Ian and Christopher Lough, would place the attraction next to existing family activities including a trampoline and ‘walk on water’ balls.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning department is considering the application. The go-kart track would be similar to a mini-cars facility that previously operated at the park.

Carnfunnock Country Park is currently closed while a £7 million redevelopment takes place. Funded by £6.1 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and the borough council, the upgrade includes a new visitor centre, an adventure play park, a bike park with a pump track and jump trail, and a modern amenity block for the caravan park. The park shut last July and is scheduled to reopen after 15 months of construction.

In September 2024 the council terminated the Family Fun Zone lease, giving six months’ notice to vacate. The operators said they had invested almost half a million pounds over 22 years at the site. A petition against the closure gathered nearly 6,000 signatures. The council stated it had a legal duty to consider health and safety across the site. Despite that setback, the business has announced a larger return planned for spring 2027, with a social media post confirming it will not operate during 2026.