Free pass access to one of district’s four parks

Free pass access to one of district’s four parks

28 February 2024

RATEPAYERS are to be given free access to one of the district’s four parks managed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council from next week.

Under a radical new plan, residents will be allowed free parking at either Castlewellan Forest Park or Delamont Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough for a year

Ratepayers in the southern end of the constituency can choose free access to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor or Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Meigh.

Visitors from outside the district will have to pay to access the four parks with the revenue going towards their ongoing management.

The decision to allow residents free parking at the park of their choice comes into operation next Monday.

Each registered household in the district can obtain a ‘single-park permit’, granting free car entry into one of the four parks under a new charging system.

Residents can simply pick up the permit at the park of their choice with the production of valid photographic ID such as their driving licence, granting free entry up until the end of March next year.

Entry to the district’s three remaining local authority owned and controlled parks requires the purchase of a £25 resident ‘all-park permit’ or the payment of a daily entry charge

Non-district residents can pay the daily entrance rate or purchase a ‘single-park permit’ for £25 or an ‘all-park permit’ for £60.

Minibus permits can also be purchased at £65 per park while there is no charge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Council officials say all four parks play an increasingly important role in driving economic development through tourism and supporting local communities and businesses.

They say it’s important residents can continue to access their local park, which is why is the permit scheme has been introduced.

The revenue generated from the scheme will be used for the ongoing development and maintenance at the award-winning parks with the permit scheme to be reviewed after six months.

The formal launch of the scheme has been welcomed by local councillors Willie Clarke and Terry Andrews.

Cllr Clarke had been lobbying for free access for ratepayers and revealed that in excess of one million people visit the four parks each year.

He said it’s important local citizens have free access to their nearest public green spaces which are managed by the council.

“The development of these facilities has been greatly assisted by ratepayers’ contributions through the rates process and now they can enjoy free access to a park of their choice through their existing permits or by showing their driving licence or another form of photo identification,” he continued.

Cllr Clarke described council green spaces as “integral community facilities” accessed and used by many from the local area and beyond. 

He added: “Ratepayers are already paying for the forest and country parks they use. Allowing each household to obtain a free parking permit while collecting revenue from visitors will ensure the parks will continue to enhance the visitor experience.”

Cllr Andrews said the new parking permit initiative will be widely welcomed.

“We are blessed to have so many beautiful parks in our area which are hugely popular with locals and visitors alike,” he continued.

“Delamont is without doubt one of the jewels in the district’s tourism crown and it is a facility enjoyed by many people. It’s located in a perfect location and well placed to attract visitors from a wide area.”

Cllr Andrews thanked those behind the new initiative and has no doubt it will be a major success.

He added: “Visitor numbers at all our parks will start to ramp up and with the dawn of spring, many people will be eager to get out and the new permit will help them enjoy stunning locations on their doorstep.”