Lisburn and Newry: Parking ‘grace period’ scheme made permanent

Eamonn Connolly from Newry Business Improvement District (BID) welcomed the move as a “positive step for businesses, shoppers and the wider city”.

Ruth Young, president of Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, said the parking scheme “sends a clear message that Lisburn is open, welcoming and easy to spend time in”.

Fees for parking in CPZs were last increased in 2023, having remained unchanged since 2017. To park for an hour, the price is £1 in Lisburn and 80p in Newry.

Standard public transport fares increased three times between March 2023 and June 2024, but were frozen in more recent years.

Mark Shields from the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust said that “making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier” encourages people to “spend more time and money in our towns and cities”.

“Communities across Northern Ireland need to see investment and real progress towards making these fairer, cheaper and more active choices – and trips by public transport – possible for everyone,” he added.

Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said in February that Stormont “should be investing in affordable, reliable public transport – not doubling down on policies that encourage more car use”.

Last week in response to Translink’s plans, the Department for Infrastructure said its “priority is to support passengers and protect access to public transport”.

“There is no agreed budget, and the department will continue to work closely with Translink in this interim period,” a spokesperson added.