WP Downpatrick Rep Calls on Council to pilot free parking 

24th September 2026

Workers Party representative for South Down Pat McGreevy is calling on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to pilot free car parking in all forty-three council owned car parks. McGreevy said the pilot, if introduced immediately, should run until the end of March 2027.

 

McGreevy noted that the council is currently encouraging ratepayers to "Make it Local" by visiting and buying in local shops, but said car parking charges in eleven of those car parks are creating an obstacle to that well-meaning campaign.

 

McGreevy pointed out that the Workers Party is of the view that car parking charges are an additional rate gathering mechanism from ratepayers who feel they already pay substantial rates, and said that if the council is serious about re-energising local businesses, then a pilot scheme of this nature would certainly be helpful to the campaign.

McGreevy said towns and villages within the council catchment area are desperately in need of a boost to help breathe life back into them, and that every possibility and opportunity available must be explored. He added that local communities need local businesses and shops, and that the success of the pilot could be measured against the increased footfall in the towns and villages and the significant boost in sales.