Consultation launched on introduction of Carrickfergus car park charges

Thursday 10 August 2023

A recent review of car parking charges across Mid and East Antrim resulted in the introduction of a 60p an hour rate at paid-for Council car parks in the Borough, with members of the public invited to have their say on the move.

As a result of that process, and following feedback from citizens, Council agreed to introduce a special all-day rate of £2.50 in Council pay and display car parks, to mitigate the impact on workers and business owners.

This is also complemented by a six-month discounted rate of £250 or a quarterly rate of £130, which equates to a daily parking rate of around £2, subject to availability.

Alternative free car parking would remain in the Carrickfergus area, including at the Windrose, Marine Gardens, St Brides Street Park and Ride, and the Train Station Park and Ride.

A Council spokesperson said: “We have listened to residents and taken onboard their feedback to changes to car parks in Mid and East Antrim, notably with the introduction of an all-day ticket, at a significantly reduced rate, which we feel is fair, reasonable and competitive.

“The monies generated from the introduction of charges at Carickfergus Castle Car Park would be reinvested back into Council where they can be used in the delivery of other essential frontline services in the town and throughout Mid and East Antrim, as well as mitigating the impact of any potential rates increases over the next couple of years.

“Council will continue to work closely with our town centre traders and business leaders to do all we can to support, promote and grow our economy and ensure the very best services, facilities and infrastructure is on offer for our citizen.”

The planned introduction of charges at the Castle Car Park was among the measures agreed by Council during the rates-setting process for 2023/2024.

These measures were designed to minimise the rates increase on residents amid the cost of living crisis, while also ensuring Council was in a position to safeguard and where necessary enhance frontline services and facilities for residents.

Carrickfergus, which is set to benefit from more than £42m of investment through Belfast Region City Deal, has one car park identified for the introduction of parking charges (at the Castle), while there were a further three in Ballymena and two in Larne.

As part of the Carrickfergus City Deal Project, the Castle car park would be revamped to allow for the transformation of that area of the town.

This aspect of the project includes the creation of a visitor and community hub with a public events space. Work is due to commence in 2027.

All Council car parks, with the exception of the multistorey in Ballymena, remain free on Sundays.

Anybody wishing to provide an objection to the plans or make other representations may do so.

Any objection or other representation must be in writing and must specify the grounds on which any objection or representation is made and be sent to Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG, or Ardeevin, 80 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1AB, or Smiley Buildings, Victoria Road, Larne BT40 1RU, or alternatively email: CarPark.Manager@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Please mark correspondence for the attention of The Car Park Manager within the next 12 weeks.

The consultation submissions will close at 5pm on Thursday 2 November 2023.