William Street Park and Ride Delay Deeply Disappointing says Mathison
Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has expressed grave concern at further delays to the long-anticipated William Street Park and Ride project in Newtownards.
He has called it “the most significant Department for Infrastructure (DfI) investment proposed for Newtownards in many years.”
The Alliance MLA urged the DfI and the Department of Finance (DoF) to “address any obstacles to getting this delivered.”
The project has stalled due to ongoing legal and valuation processes surrounding the land required for the development. Despite the site being sold in 2021, unresolved title and valuation complexities have prevented final purchase completion.
In response to a recent question from Mr. Mathison, the Minister of Finance, John O’Dowd, confirmed that Land and Property Services (LPS) has not yet finalised its valuation and assessment of compensation arising from vesting the land.
Delays have been caused because the Department must first confirm precise ownership of the land. As a result, details have yet to be finalised between the parties’ solicitors, continuing to hold up the process.
The Minister said while these issues are now largely resolved and have been referred to the LPS for formal valuation, no timeframe can be given for completion of the purchase.
Nick Mathison MLA said: “The continued delay to the William Street Park and Ride is deeply disappointing and frankly unacceptable.
“This is the most significant DfI project for Newtownards in years, yet bureaucracy continues to hold it up. Local people and commuters deserve progress, not excuses.
