Overflow car park branded ‘disaster’

Overflow car park branded ‘disaster’

1 October 2025

AN overflow car park in Newcastle has been described as a “disaster” by a local politician.

Additional spaces were provided on land adjacent to Donard Park which is owned and managed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

No lighting has been provided at the overspill car park which has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour with young drivers revving engines, performing so-called donuts and driving at speed, especially at weekends.

Nearby residents say they have had enough of ongoing disturbances including late-night car meets and excessive noise resulting in sleepless nights for many of them, including elderly people who live in sheltered accommodation.

Some residents say they are at “breaking point” and described the noise generated by some vehicles as “unbearable” with what is happening driving them to distraction on an almost daily basis.

In addition, residents fear that as vehicles are entering and leaving the car park at speed, and racing along roads, it’s only a matter of time before someone ends up in a bad accident.

In the past, the internal layout of the car park has been modified in a bid to address the anti-social behaviour but it has continued, with residents calling for their “nightmare” to end” and their concerns taken seriously.

Mournes councillor Jill Truesdale described the anti-social behaviour issue as “one of the longest running sagas” she has ever been involved with. 

She said that since raising the issue with the council and the intervention of South Down MP Chris Hazzard, nothing has “stimulated the local authority into taking responsibility for the issue”.

Cllr Truesdale said the introduction of ramps on the road leading to the overflow car park were like ‘speed tables’, similar to those she has been requesting along the Shimna Road to curb speeding. 

“Once over these tables, drivers can still perform donuts and engage in anti-social behaviour. This

is an unlit area at the back of a large car park, providing perfect cover for a range of activity,” she said.

Cllr Truesdale chaired Newcastle’s anti-social behaviour group for a year.

She said that during that time “every conceivable solution” was brought before officers, including the use of automated barriers.

“Every idea was rejected by officers on the basis of cost yet, suddenly, we see a speed table. Where did the budget come from for this when we were repeatedly told there was no money?” she asked.

Cllr Truesdale — who is backing the local authority’s decision to erect height barriers at Castle Park to keep motorhomes out — said measures were required to address the behaviour of drivers.

“This facility has been a disaster from start to finish,” she declared. “It does provide extra parking during the day, but it was not supposed to be left unlit and without litter bins. 

“During the construction phase it was realised a redesign was required of the surface water drainage system after planning was approved which increased the costs of the works.”

Cllr Truesdale said the council must come up with a solution for the car park and others under its remit. 

“The stress and anxiety the behaviour of these car meets and driving causes is dreadful,” she revealed.

“As a Bryansford Road resident, I too hear the pops, bangs and screeches and am immediately on alert for a period of anti-social driving.”

She added: “I support the use of automated barriers at the overspill car park, but it is taking far too long for council to step up and take responsibility.”