Downpatrick to benefit from new park and ride facility

Downpatrick to benefit from new park and ride facility

23 September 2020

DOWNPATRICK features heavily in a new multi-million pound park and ride investment by a leading Stormont department.

The town is one of four locations across the province where the Department for Infrastructure is proposing to create new facilities and increase the size of the existing park and ride at Cairnshill in south Belfast.

Downpatrick’s proposed facility at the Belfast Road — close to the town’s business park — is being prioritised alongside projects in Comber, Newtownards, Carrickfergus and Belfast.

Local politicians have highlighted the need for the new Downpatrick facility but have previously suggested that park and ride schemes should also be located in Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Saintfield.

Roads minister Nichola Mallon said it was encouraging to see that more and more commuters opting to use park and ride facilities as part of their daily journey. 

She said this was good news as journey times can be reduced, traffic congestion minimised, car emissions lowered and commuters can experience stress free travel while helping to deliver a cleaner, greener environment

“I have considered a number of factors such as the growing demand for park and ride facilities, existing public transport provision and land availability to assist me in reaching a decision to approve the first phase of park and rides for this year,” the minister said.

“In this first phase, projects in Downpatrick, Newtownards, Comber, Cairnshill and Carrickfergus will be advanced with all of these projects servicing busy commuter routes. When complete, they will collectively provide 2,030 spaces. “

Mrs Mallon also revealed that the work on the new scheme is only the first phase of the expansion of park and ride programmes for this year, confirming that she will make a further announcement about other viable projects as soon as she can. 

She added: “I am committed to developing sustainable transport projects, greening our infrastructure and doing what I can to drive down emissions as quickly as possible. 

“Park and rides will give citizens the chance to use the public transport network as an alternative to commuting, helping to drive down congestion and emissions. Together we can change the way we travel and help protect our environment. This is another step forward and I look forward to taking many more in the months ahead.”

South Down MLAs Colin McGrath and Emma Rogan have welcomed news of the new park and ride facility in Downpatrick, praising the roads minister on the investment initiative.

“I am delighted to hear that Downpatrick will be included in the first phase of park and ride expansions. I have been working closely with Minister Mallon in recent months to ensure that the Belfast Road site is prioritised and am pleased to see that she has delivered this,” he said.

“As we seek to tackle the climate emergency, the infrastructure minister has made it clear that we must change the way we do things and she will invest in supporting communities to do so. This £4m investment in park and rides across Northern Ireland is testament to that commitment.” 

Mr McGrath said the Downpatrick facility will lead to reduced journey times and traffic congestion, minimise stress free travel for commuters, all while playing our part in building a cleaner and greener society.” 

Downpatrick councillor, Dermot Curran, is also pleased with the new park and ride facility at the Belfast Road.

He said park and ride facilities were simple but effective ways to reduce traffic congestion and make it possible for people to travel to work, visit friends or go shopping via public transport.

“There has been much talk about a park and ride facility in Downpatrick and confirmation that one os going to be delivered is very welcome news,” Cllr Curran continued.

“Park and ride schemes help reduce congestion and for those travelling to Belfast, the city’s bus lanes can make the journey quicker by bus than car.”

Ms Rogan said she is pleased that the facility which politicians and the community have been calling for has been deemed a priority by the government department.

She added: “The ‘park and ride’ facility will be invaluable for the people of Downpatrick and the surrounding area. It will also make it easier for people to make public transport their first choice for travel as we seek to decarbonise transport as part of our overall efforts to tackle the climate emergency.”