Press Release

Christmas Park and Ride Scheme is launched

Friday, 19 November 2004

This Christmas city shoppers can avail of a free Park and Ride Scheme, which is set to commence from the weekend of November 27 from the Fort George site at Strand Road.

The initiative has been developed in partnership with Road Service, Ilex URC and Derry City Council and facilitated by the North West Development Office and City Centre Initiative.

The service will be operate every Saturday and Sunday, from November 27 until 20 December between 12.00 to 18.00 hours. A daily service will come into effect from Sunday 20 December until Christmas Eve. The service incorporates a shuttle bus every 15 minutes, which stops at drop-off and collection points along the Strand Road, the Diamond and Orchard Street.

Announcing the commencement of the service, the Mayor Councillor Gearoid O’hEara said the service was a perfect parking alternative for shoppers planning a trip to the city centre this Christmas.

He said: “This is a very worthwhile exercise and a service that will prove extremely beneficial to locals and visitors to the city in the run up to the festive season. I fully support the initiative and believe it will prove invaluable to the city’s retail sector over the Christmas period.”

Anthony Tohill, Senior Traffic Engineer with Roads Service said the scheme would make an important contribution to traffic management during the festive period.

He commented: "We are delighted to be involved in providing this service for local people
and visitors to the city in the run up to Christmas. Last year the facility provided additional parking spaces, helping the City's traffic move more easily. This year we expect the park n’ ride service to be an even greater success and make a valuable contribution to traffic management in the city in the run up to Christmas. The extra parking complements the
existing parting arrangements in the city centre. Road Service would encourage people to use this free, safe and reliable service"

Alan McClure, chairman of the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company said the provision of such a service added real value to citizens and visitors to the city this Christmas.

"This is a unique service aimed directly at assisting the public and traders in the run up to Christmas and we are delighted to be part of the project. We believe that the provision of this service will add to the city's Christmas shopping experience."

The Fort George Park and Ride Service is facilitated by the North West Development Office, who currently own the site, and the City Centre Initiative. Up to 150 car parking spaces will be provided at the site, which will also be fully equipped with lighting and on-site security.

Ends

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