Plans for a new park and ride facility in Newcastle have emerged following the Irish Open golf tournament, sparking conversations in a recent Stormont travel consultation. The Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council were prompted to provide infrastructure data during a recent environment committee meeting, signaling a potential shift from their 10-year Active Travel Masterplan. However, the council management was unable to provide the required information, leading to the approval of a draft consultation on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Active Travel Delivery Plan in November 2024. This decision could potentially prioritize other park and ride locations over Newcastle.
Concerns and Questions Arise
During the discussions, Helena Young, a representative of Slieve Croob Alliance, raised concerns about the absence of park and ride plans for Newcastle in the council’s Active Travel Masterplan 2019. She emphasized the importance of building Newcastle’s reputation as a tourist destination, particularly focusing on the town’s promenade. The proposed plan also aimed to address areas in the town plagued by vehicle congestion, suggesting improvements like pedestrianizing the main street. Young questioned the rationale behind introducing a park and ride facility in Newcastle when other towns were earmarked for such developments in the masterplan, highlighting the need for transparency and data on park and ride usage during council-run events in the past five years.
Moreover, she expressed skepticism about the potential impact of the new proposal on local businesses, especially considering existing transportation services like the Translink busy bus operating during the tourist season and private companies catering to mountain hikers year-round. Young’s concerns raised crucial questions about the necessity and feasibility of the proposed park and ride facility in Newcastle, urging stakeholders to consider the broader implications on the local economy and community.
Park and Ride Expansion
The Park and Ride Programme Board, overseen and funded by the Department for Infrastructure, plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of park and ride initiatives. Currently, there are only two park and ride locations in the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council area – at the Newry train station and Sheepbridge. While the council’s 2019 Active Travel Masterplan identified potential park and ride sites in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Crossgar, and Saintfield, the recent consultation response suggests the inclusion of additional zones like Newcastle, Warrenpoint, and Kilkeel.
However, the exclusion of Crossgar and Saintfield from the proposed park and ride locations raises questions about the selection criteria and decision-making process behind the expansion of park and ride facilities in the region. As the consultation deadline looms before the next full council meeting, there is a window for elected representatives to reconsider their response and address community concerns and feedback before finalizing the plans.
In response to inquiries about the park and ride scheme in Newcastle, a council officer highlighted ongoing discussions with the Department for Infrastructure and Translink to determine the site’s location and operational details. The proposed facility aims to serve as an active travel hub, facilitating cycling and walking to the town center, in addition to providing a bus link for event attendees. Despite the progress in deliberations and planning, the lack of concrete data on park and ride usage beyond the Irish Open event raises challenges in assessing the facility’s long-term viability and impact on local transportation patterns and business operations.
By delving into the intricacies of the proposed park and ride facility in Newcastle, stakeholders must navigate a complex landscape of community needs, economic considerations, and sustainable transportation solutions to strike a balance between enhancing accessibility and preserving the town’s unique character and charm. As discussions unfold and decisions are made, the future of Newcastle’s transportation infrastructure will shape the town’s identity and visitor experience for years to come.
