Cllr Devine welcomes progress on Newtownstewart parking and regeneration plans
The findings of the Newtownstewart Town Centre Car Parking Capacity Study were presented to council
SINN Féin councillor Caroline Devine has welcomed the findings of the Newtownstewart Town Centre Car Parking Capacity Study, which were presented to Derry City and Strabane District Council's Environment and Regeneration Committee recently.
The study, commissioned as part of the wider Newtownstewart Town Centre Regeneration Framework, identifies a range of short, medium and long-term measures to improve parking availability, accessibility and traffic management in the town.
“I welcome the completion of this study, which provides a clear evidence base for addressing longstanding parking concerns in Newtownstewart and improving access to town centre businesses.
“I want to acknowledge and thank council officers for their work over the last number of years in developing the Town Centre Regeneration Framework and progressing this study. Their ongoing engagement with local traders, residents and other key stakeholders has been particularly important in ensuring that the priorities reflect the needs of the town,” she said.
She added parking issues have been one of the key concerns for local businesses, including vehicles occupying parking spaces for long periods, enforcement, limiting availability for shoppers and visitors.
“These measures are aimed at improving the turnover of spaces and making it easier for people to access local shops and services. I have been following up directly with DfI on some of the short-term measures identified in the report, particularly the refreshing of parking bay markings and enforcement, which have been addressed. “The study also identifies further opportunities, including reviewing the current one-hour parking restrictions, exploring additional off-street parking, improving pedestrian access and considering changes to traffic flow and parking layouts.
“Alongside this, I have been pursuing a number of other road safety concerns in Newtownstewart, including speeding on Castle Brae and Dublin Street near St Patrick's Primary School, where DfI has agreed to undertake further assessments.
“The important thing now is to maintain momentum and turn the recommendations into practical improvements. I will continue working with council officers, DfI Roads and local stakeholders to progress these priorities. Newtownstewart is an important rural town, and we need to ensure it receives the investment and attention necessary to support its businesses, improve accessibility and secure its long-term regeneration.”