Downpatrick To Get A New Park And Ride Facility.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has taken a big step to relieve the roads in County Down of car pressure by introducing new park and ride facilities.
The significant contribution to the environment and the economy has been welcomed by local MLA’s.
McGrath delighted at Park and Ride expansion in Downpatrick
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed the announcement from Infrastructure Minister that Park and Ride facilities at Downpatrick will be expanded.
The South Down MLA said: “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 this busy site is prioritised and I am pleased to see she has delivered this.”
“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.”
“Expanded facilities at Downpatrick Park and Ride will lead to reduced journey times, traffic congestion minimised and stress free travel for commuters, all while playing our part in building a cleaner and greener society.”
“I look forward to work commencing at this site soon.”
Emma Rogan welcomes ‘Park and Ride’ announcement.
South Down Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has welcomed the announcement from the Infrastructure Minister that the opening of a ‘park and ride’ facility in Downpatrick will be treated as a priority.
The South Down MLA said: “Sinn Féin and the local community have been calling for a park and ride facility in Downpatrick for some time.
“I welcome that the Infrastructure Minister has today confirmed a ‘park and ride’ facility in Downpatrick will now be progressed as a priority.
“The ‘park and ride’ facility will be invaluable for the people of Downpatrick and the surrounding area.
“It would 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.”
The Department For Infrastructure Minister’s Statement.
Infrastructure Minister announces first phase of this year’s Park and Ride programme
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the first phase of this year’s Park and Ride programme across Northern Ireland.
Five projects are currently being prioritised to address growing demand. These projects are:
- Newtownards (Bus)
- Comber (Bus )
- Cairnshill, Belfast (Bus)
- Downpatrick (Bus)
- ( also Trooperslane, Carrickfergus, Rail)
Announcing this year’s first phase of her Park and Ride programme, Minister Mallon said: “It is encouraging to see that more and more commuters are opting to use Park and Ride facilities as part of their daily journey.
“This is 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.
“In this first phase, projects in Downpatrick, Newtownards, Comber, Cairnshill Belfast and Trooperslane Carrickfergus will be advanced. All of these projects will service busy commuter routes and when complete will provide 2,030 spaces.
“This is only the first phase of the expansion of Park and Ride programmes for this year. I will make a further announcement about other viable projects as soon as I can.
“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,” added Minister Mallon.
