By Ryan Sands
THE council has agreed to make its Downpatrick car parks free of charge when the town hosts Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin for the first time later this month.
At Monday’s monthly local authority meeting, councillors unanimously backed an emergency notice of motion – tabled by Conor Galbraith (SDLP, Downpatrick) – to implement this over the weekend of 19 to 21 June when Lecale Comhaltas plays host to the County Down Fleadh.
As with previous similar agreements relating to pre-Christmas Saturdays and St Patrick’s Day, this will apply to the facilities at Irish Street, Scotch Street and Church Street.
Cllr Galbraith’s motion had called on council to recognise “the enormous opportunities presented by the upcoming fleadh in Downpatrick”.
It highlighted “the significant economic benefit this event will bring to Downpatrick and the wider district, particularly for local retailers, hospitality, businesses and town centre traders who continue to face substantial economic pressures”.
The proposal stated that providing free parking would “encourage visitors to remain within the town centre for longer periods, increase footfall for local businesses, cafés, pubs and restaurants, improve accessibility and visitor experience during a major cultural event, demonstrate council’s commitment to supporting Downpatrick and the local economy, and help ensure the success and long-term legacy of hosting the fleadh in our district”.
Concluding, it asked that “free parking at all council-owned car parks in Downpatrick for the weekend of the fleadh” be implemented.
Speaking on his motion, the town councillor described the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin as “a once in a generation opportunity for businesses and the people of Downpatrick”.
“For the first time ever, the fleadh is coming to Downpatrick, and we are expecting up to 2,000 competitors, along with their families and supporters, musicians, visitors travelling from across Ireland and beyond,” he continued.
“That means thousands of people spending time, money and energy in our town.
“At a time when our local traders and hospitality providers continue to face extremely difficult economic pressures, we should be doing everything possible to maximise the benefit of this event for our local economy.
“This motion is about sending a very clear message that Downpatrick is open, welcoming and ready to make the most of this opportunity.
“Free parking for the fleadh is not just for those visiting, but to bring the people of the town in to listen to and enjoy what the fleadh has got to offer.
“This will encourage locals to stay in the town longer.”
