Castlewellan park and ride needs promotion

Castlewellan park and ride needs promotion

25 May 2022

A NEW park and ride scheme designed to free up more spaces in Castlewellan town centre must be marketed to ensure that it is a success, according to a local politician.

Slieve Croob councillor Roísín Howell is pleased that the new 72-space facility at the Bann Road will be open for the summer, but said a “robust marketing campaign” was needed to make people aware of it and to use it.

The new parking area was provided to address the issue of all-day parking in the town centre which was frustrating for shoppers and the town’s business community.

A survey undertaken last year revealed that half the cars parked in the centre of Castlewellan remained there all day, eating up valuable spaces that could be used by shoppers, with concern that the lack of a turnover of spaces was also impacting on trade. 

Restricting the amount of time people could park in the town centre to two hours was also suggested, with plans subsequently devised for the park and ride scheme at the Bann Road which is viewed as a great asset for Castlewellan.

Cllr Howell said the provision of 72 parking bays, cycle racks and lighting, in tandem with a new entrance and security fencing will ensure that the facility is safe for commuters and all those who use it.

“I am absolutely delighted that the park and ride project has reached this stage,” she said.

“I will be contacting the Department of infrastructure and Newry Mourne and Down Council to ensure that a robust marketing campaign is now undertaken to advertise and promote this site as a safe and viable alternative for those commuters who park in the town centre.”

Cllr Howell said the new parking facility could also be used by people who access the nearby forest park on foot.

She said that since joining the local authority four years ago, parking in Castlewellan town centre was continuously raised with her by traders and residents.

“The new park and ride facility will hopefully go some way to alleviating the pressure on the ‘on’ and ‘off’ street parking in the centre of Castlewellan,” continued Cllr Howell.

“The site will it be ideal for commuters car sharing but will also be a great asset to those using the forest park and local sports facilities on the Bann Road. “

Cllr Howell said provision being made for cyclists will also be welcomed by the many visitors and tourists who come to the area for its scenic beauty and fabulous walking and cycling trails.