Press Release

Park and Ride scheme opens this weekend

Thursday, 25 November 2004

The free Christmas Park and Ride Scheme, which was announced last week, is to commence this weekend 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 this weekend, 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.

The service has been welcomed by the Mayor Councillor Gearoid O’hEara, who said it was a perfect parking alternative for shoppers planning a trip to the city centre over the Christmas period.

Anthony Tohill, Senior Traffic Engineer with Roads Service explained that he anticipates this year’s service to be another great success. He said the extra parking complements the
existing parting arrangements in the city centre and that he hoped as many people as possible would use the free, safe and reliable service.

Alan McClure, chairman of the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company said: "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. From this weekend, 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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Press Office

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