A campaign group opposing the Irish Football Association’s proposed National Football Centre between Galgorm and Cullybackey has raised concerns over floodlight glare, increased traffic, and the effect of sudden noise on horses. The group, Right Facility Wrong Location, held a public meeting and is considering legal action against the 50-acre development.

Lady Juliet Frazer, chair of the Mid-Antrim Riding for the Disabled Association, said horses are flight animals and loud noises from football matches could put riders at risk, particularly those with disabilities. She said the facility should be located in an urban area rather than a rural setting.

Sarah Herbison, from the campaign group, said the scale of the development would harm the area’s heritage, ecology and character. The plans include six pitches, three of them floodlit, three small stands, a media building, catering facilities and changing rooms.

The planning application is being assessed by Mid and East Antrim Council. NI Water has recommended refusal, citing water and wastewater capacity constraints, but told the applicant potential solutions exist and to contact the utility directly. The IFA said it will engage with NI Water to resolve the issues.

Supporters of the project point to the proximity of the Galgorm Hotel and two train stations. Jonny Hume, father of Northern Ireland international Trai Hume, said the site suits everyone and avoids the heavy traffic of Belfast. North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the facility would be good for sport and the economy and dovetails with the existing Galgorm Resort.

The IFA described the centre as a once-in-a-generation investment and said it would continue to engage constructively and mitigate concerns as the planning process progresses. The project cost is estimated at around £8 million, with a target completion date of 2028.

More than 150 public comments have been submitted on the council’s planning portal, most of them in favour of the proposal. The council said it cannot give a timescale for a decision while the application remains under assessment and consultation.