First park and ride to ease congestion

First park and ride to ease congestion

8 July 2015

DOWN District’s first park and ride scheme is to be introduced in Downpatrick.

Roads officials say the creation of the new facility at the Belfast Road “should be considered as an immediate priority,” confirming they have plans for a similar facility in Comber.

The new park and ride facility will allow people who work in Belfast to park their cars on the outskirts of Downpatrick and travel to the city by bus, avoiding long tailbacks during the early morning rush hour.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who has been lobbying for the park and ride scheme, said the facility could also be used by those who work in Downpatrick and visitors to the town who could make their way on foot to Down Cathedral, the Down County Museum and St. Patrick Visitor Centre.

Miss Ritchie invited Stormont Roads Minister Danny Kennedy to view the Belfast Road area in Downpatrick last July.

“Following the visit, Mr Kennedy agreed to look at the possibility of providing this much-needed facility and I am delighted with the progress that has been made,” she continued.

“The Department of Regional Development (DRD) has concluded following a review of its park and ride delivery programme that the development of facilities along the so-called eastern transport corridors should be considered an immediate priority.”

Miss Ritchie said work will now start on a business case and economic appraisal for the facility.

“I will be pushing Mr Kennedy on the delivery and timescale of this project and welcome the fact the DRD has earmarked the Downpatrick park and ride scheme as a priority. We must keep the pressure on to ensure delivery of the project,” the MP declared.

“The provision of a park and ride for those working in Downpatrick and travelling to the town from the Belfast direction will assist in alleviating congestion at peak times, transporting people to the Downshire public services site on the Ardglass Road and to public sector offices in Market Street. 

“Further to this, it will open up the Patrician heritage and other tourism sites in Downpatrick to the wider public. This measure is part of the transportation plan that I want to see delivered for Downpatrick, acting as a vital stimulus to the local economy.”