Local developer McAlister Holdings, in association with the Ulster Place Names Project, has kicked off the schools' competition today by urging pupils at all Ballycastle schools to submit the name they feel best describes the multi-million pound development site at Ramoan Road, Ballycastle.

The top three best names will be shortlisted and submitted to Moyle District Council which will then make the final decision. The school which submits the winning entry will then be in line to receive a £250 donation towards the cost of classroom equipment.

The Principals of six local schools have been contacted and pupils have been invited to submit their ideas. The winning school is expected to be unveiled late April/early May.

McAlister Holdings Managing Director Mervyn McAlister said the competition was a fantastic opportunity not only for young people to make a long-lasting impression on their landscape, but also to win a major prize that could benefit their entire school.

"Originally we proposed that the Ramoan Road development be named Othello Hall, but Moyle councillors were not convinced that the name best reflected the locality. We accept entirely the council's decision and are more than happy to see some fresh ideas coming forward," he said.

"We think this might be a fun way to get children involved in history and in their townland. Ramoan Road will contribute to and shape the community for many years to come, so we feel that the young people should have a role to play and a voice within that."

Ciaran Dunbar, from the Ulster Place Names Society, said: "In addition to academic research in the university, a vast amount of information can also be gleaned through simply talking to family members, like grandparents as well as going out and studying the area in question.
"Though they may not perceive it, a leisurely, enjoyable conversation about one's surrounding townlands introduces children to the power and value of our ancient oral history tradition."

He added: "If we can offer any guidance to potential entrants it would simply be to really bring in those local influences and to draw inspiration from the character of the local area. The entry that has best chance of winning is the one that demonstrates an appreciation of the local history and culture, and which reflects something of the local geography."

The deadline for competition entries is 14th April 2008. A full set of guidelines and instructions will be issued to participating schools. It is anticipated that a christening ceremony will take place when work commences on site later in the year.

For further information on the work of Ulster Places Names Society visit their website at http://www.ulsterplacenames.org. Members of the public with any queries can email the Ulster Places Names Society on placenames@qub.ac.uk