Appeal to ban motorhomes in busy Newcastle car park

Appeal to ban motorhomes in busy Newcastle car park

9 October 2024

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been asked to consider banning motorhomes from a popular Newcastle car park.

During the recent Amgen Irish Open golf championship, a temporary ban was imposed on motorhomes using Castle Park after height restriction barriers were erected. 

The barriers were in place for seven days, but one local politician said the temporary ban should become permanent and believes there are “unique opportunities” for motorhome parking in rural areas elsewhere in the district including Ballyhornan, Annalong and Spelga Dam.

Motorhomes are already banned from the Downs Road and Glen River car parks in Newcastle and Cllr Glyn Hanna believes Castle Park should be added to this list.

Currently, motorhome parking is banned between midnight and 6am under a council bye-law but it is being ignored at Castle Park and is a cause for concern for local authority officials who are putting the final touches to a new motorhome strategy.

A survey revealed that 27 motorhomes were recently parked overnight at Castle Park in direct contravention of local authority legislation.

A number of councillors say it’s recognised that overnight camping has become unsustainable and is placing operational and environmental pressure on visitor attractions that are designed for daytime use only.

Cllr Hanna said Castle Park should be used solely for cars and that motorhomes should not be permitted to use what is a prime facility.

“Some motorhome owners put out awnings and tables and chairs which take up more spaces that could be used by visitors who would make a bigger contribution to the economy in my opinion,” he said.

Cllr Hanna suggested motorhome owners arrived with their groceries and supplies on board and made little contribution to the economy apart.

He insisted he was not anti-motorhomes, but that Castle Park should be accorded the same status as the Downs Road and Glen River car parks.

Cllr Hanna said the council is keen to attract more overnight stays with so-called bed nights supporting local hoteliers and and bed and breakfast providers.

“There are other areas for motorhomes which I and others believe should not be allowed in any of our town centres,” he said.

“Indeed the motorhome issue is raised with me often and I am keen to see the new motorhome strategy as it will provide clarity moving forward for everyone.”

Cllr Hanna added: “Newcastle is our premier tourist resort where local businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. They are very well supported by local people but tourism is also a major income generator and we need a turnover of town centre parking spaces.”

The move to devise a new motorhome strategy to address concern about the number of vehicles was agreed as vehicle owners were taking up parking spaces not only in Newcastle, but across the district.

Local authority officials have previously met with senior representatives from the Department for Infrastructure, Tourism NI, motorhome user groups, Newcastle residents and the owners of local caravan parks and campsites to discuss the parking issue.

The final detail of the draft strategy  – which will apply across the entire council area – will be discussed by members of the council’s Sustainability and Environment Committee.

Councillors say they recognise the need to come up with a solution to an issue which has been in the headlines for a number of years.

Concern remains about some motorhome owners who park in the resort overnight in Castle Park amid claims that they do not make a significant contribution to the resort’s economy and can often take up valuable parking spaces which day trippers could use.

The assertion that has been denied by the motorhome owners who have previously made it clear that they are unhappy about being “victimised” and vehemently rejected accusations that they do not spend money in the resort. 

Motorhome owners have argued that there is not enough dedicated parking spaces for them in Newcastle.