Ulster Unionists welcome £1 parking scheme across Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Ulster Unionist representatives have welcomed an announcement by the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy which will allow shoppers to park in Carrickfergus town centre for five hours for just £1.

Deputy Mayor of Carrickfergus, Cllr John Stewart commented; “My Ulster Unionist Colleague, Minister Danny Kennedy, initiated this scheme towards the end of 2013 which brought lower parking rates for 25 towns right across Northern Ireland over the Christmas period. The five hours parking for £1 scheme started on 12^th April 2014 and is expected to last for six months.”

Lindsay Millar continued, “It is fantastic news that Carrickfergus town centre is getting this boost. It is great for both local businesses and the public. This new scheme will apply to 233 car parking spaces across Carrickfergus.”

Cllr Andrew Wilson added, “This is just the latest initiative from Danny Kennedy that is designed to both save the public money and attract more people into our town centre; like the freeze on car parking charges and a zero increase on Translink fares for 2014.”

Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy said: "Local retailers across Northern Ireland have told me that they are continuing to operate in a challenging environment.  That was one of the main reasons why I introduced a five hours parking for one pound over the Christmas and New Year period.

“The scheme was welcomed by traders and this extensive pilot project will inform my Departments future policy. The five hours parking for £1 pilot tariff will support both the local economy and retailers in their efforts to encourage more shoppers back into towns and cities across Northern Ireland.”