Tributes to ‘friend and gentleman’ who led council economic development

TRIBUTES have been paid to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's former head of economic development who is credited with creating the strategy that the council is now successfully pursuing.

Paul Beattie, pictured, died peacefully at his Coleraine home, aged 53, on September 13.

Tributes were led by council’s Chief Executive, David Jackson, ahead of Tuesday’s Leisure and Development Committee meeting where members were due to hear a presentation from Mr Beattie’s successor.

Many of the successes Niall McGurk was able to report were based on foundations laid by Paul Beattie, he said.

David Jackson reminded members Paul had been Head of Economic Development at Limavady Borough Council when it was merged with Ballymoney, Coleraine and Moyle councils in 2015.

Subsequently, he was appointed head of the new Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s department of ‘Prosperity and Place.’

“He did a lot for Limavady over the years and led the transition to the Prosperity and Place team in the new council,” outlined Mr Jackson.

“He was very popular with his colleagues, who are feeling his loss, and he had a lot of friends right across this area.

“Everyone is very shocked and I would like to extend my sympathies to his wide friendship network and, particularly, to his family.”

Niall McGurk said Paul had 'set up and shaped' the department he now led: “I took over the reigns from Paul in 2022 and, I have to say, they were big boots to fill.

“He was my boss, he was my mentor, he was a work colleague and he was also a friend.”

Mr McGurk went on to describe how Paul had developed a passion for photography. In fact, many of the slides he was using to present to councillors on Tuesday evening were illustrated with his work.

“We reached out to him and Paul, being the gentleman he is, said absolutely, feel free.”

Mr McGurk’s words were echoed by Committee Chair Philip Anderson.

“Paul was a friend and a gentleman and I would like to offer my condolences and my deepest sympathy to his family,” he said.

When Mr Beattie stepped down from his council role he joined the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) which manages EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic.

“As Director of Managing Authority, Paul was passionate about his work and the lasting impact it made throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland,” said a spokesperson for SEUPB.

“Paul was calm, kind, always approachable and had an amazing sense of humour. A friend to all his colleagues, he selflessly devoted time to helping others, providing guidance when sought and lending support as needed.

“Outside of work, Paul was passionate about music, photography, wildlife, cycling and spending time around his beloved north coast.

“Paul’s passing marks a profound loss for SEUPB, for his devoted partner, loved ones, many friends and for anyone who had the pleasure of encountering him or working with him over the years.

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and sympathy we have received.”

Paul Beattie’s funeral took place at Killowen Parish Church on Friday and was followed by interment in Ballywillan Cemetery in Portrush.