Fears Downpatrick park and ride could be hit due to lack of funding

Fears Downpatrick park and ride could be hit due to lack of funding

17 September 2025

FEARS are growing that a planned park and ride on the outskirts of Downpatrick may not be delivered due to a lack of funding.

Stormont roads minister, Liz Kimmins, has confirmed a site at the Belfast Road has been identified, but South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Cllr Conor Galbraith believe a lack of clarity around funding for the project leaves it in doubt.

Plans for the 400-space Department for Infrastructure facility on a site close to the Down Business Park were unveiled five years ago but no progress has been made.

It was originally proposed to site the park and ride facility beside the Maxol station in Church Street close to the roundabout which would have had 50 spaces.

But there was a subsequent change in thinking and agreement to provide a much larger facility at the Belfast Road providing eight times the number of spaces.

Translink is fully supportive of the facility which is designed to encourage people to travel by bus, especially into the centre of Belfast to help ease congestion and reduce the city’s carbon footprint and emission levels.

Mr McGrath said it’s positive news that Ms Kimmins has reaffirmed her commitment to delivering the park and ride for Downpatrick with preliminary design and environmental work already completed. 

“This represents important progress towards addressing the long-standing congestion issues facing our town,” he said.

“But the Minister’s response makes clear that progression of this scheme is dependent on funding being made available. At present, there is no confirmation that the necessary resources will be allocated and without that certainty, local people remain no further forward.”

Mr McGrath said Downpatrick cannot continue to be left behind. 

“We urgently need investment in infrastructure that will encourage more sustainable travel, reduce traffic bottlenecks and make the town more accessible for businesses, workers and visitors alike,” he continued.

The Assemblyman has called on the DfI Minister to urgently confirm when funding will be allocated for the park and ride and provide a clear timeline for delivery. 

He added: “The people of Downpatrick deserve more than warm words and the town demands better.”