Former Antrim hurler Terence “Sambo” McNaughton, who owns a local bar, criticised the lack of investment, claiming that if the path were in Portrush or Bushmills it “would never have been allowed to get in that state.” Posting on social media after a walk last month, he said the route had been “allowed to decline and rot away,” and highlighted its natural beauty, including views of seals, dolphins, and the Scottish coastline.

Local shop owner Dominic McAlister echoed the concerns, saying Cushendall is “definitely forgotten about” compared with tourist hotspots like Giant’s Causeway or Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. He stressed that buses pass through without stopping, limiting the area’s tourism potential.

Elaine O’Boyle, a member of the village triathlon and cycling club, explained that annual events have had to alter routes due to the closure, adding that “the tourism potential for the community is phenomenal” but remains underutilised.

Council officials confirmed that the boardwalk suffered "structural failure” after reaching the end of its lifespan, with a PEACEPLUS-funded redevelopment planned. Works will include replacing timber boardwalks, installing new steps, and upgrading existing infrastructure. A specialist advisory team is expected by mid-October, though a start date for construction has not been confirmed.

Local residents stressed the need for the path to be fully accessible and maintained to a high standard, noting that investment in other parts of the north coast has been more substantial.

Mayor McMullan reassured the public that the council intends to invest heavily in the path and acknowledge past frustrations, including a malicious fire that further damaged the boardwalk. He emphasised that other government departments also share responsibility for promoting and maintaining the Glens as a tourist destination.