Appeal for council to identify land to help lack of parking spaces

Appeal for council to identify land to help lack of parking spaces

7 November 2018

THE lack of available parking spaces in Castlewellan will be raised at next Tuesday night’s meeting at The Lodge in the town as part of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s series of public consultations to discuss increased parking charges across the district.

Slieve Croob councillor Roisin Howell is urging local authority officials to identify land in the town which can be used to provide additional parking facilities.

She claimed there was a growing off-street parking “crisis” in Castlewellan and warned that unless the issue is addressed, it will become increasingly difficult to meet the needs of traders, residents and commuters.

Cllr Howell said that while many towns across the district were debating tariff changes or accessibility issues, the situation in Castlewellan was straightforward — there is 

simply not enough off-street car parking provision. 

“In light of this worsening situation, I have asked local council chief executive Liam Hannaway to urgently explore the possibility of securing land in Castlewellan to help alleviate this parking pressure, including the greater utilisation of lands currently owned by the local authority,” she continued.

“Identifying land would not only tackle the severe shortage in car park spaces but, working in partnership with Translink, could also help meet the growing demand for modern park and ride facilities in the area.”  

• Next Tuesday’s meeting at The Lodge in Castlewellan starts at 5.30pm.