Belfast City Council is exploring the possibility of offering free parking in council-owned car parks on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2024. This initiative follows a proposal by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) during a committee meeting at City Hall earlier this week. The decision, however, hinges on securing funds to cover the potential loss of revenue from parking fees.
During the meeting, SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown highlighted a significant issue from the previous year. On St Patrick’s Day 2023, 47 individuals received fines for not paying parking fees in council car parks. In contrast, those parked on nearby streets were not penalized as the Department for Infrastructure suspended enforcement of off-street parking charges for that day.
McKeown emphasized the confusion this discrepancy caused, stating, “It is understandable people would have thought it is a non-charging day… This creates confusion, and I am sure for those who were fined it spoiled an otherwise enjoyable day in the city.” He noted that the Infrastructure Minister intends to formally recognize St Patrick’s Day as a non-charging day for off-street parking, but without council action, the existing disparity would persist.
The councillor proposed that Belfast City Council make St Patrick’s Day a non-charging day in council car parks by this year. He urged visitors to utilize public transport as a primary means of travel into the city, while also acknowledging that bus services are often reduced on that day, leading to long queues at transport hubs.
To alleviate transportation challenges, McKeown suggested that the council contact Translink to increase the frequency of bus services on key routes into the city on St Patrick’s Day. “Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible,” he remarked, “and everyone has seen the massive queues at bus stops as people await transport into town for the parade and other festivities.”
During the discussion, a council officer clarified that the matter of free parking involves departmental financial implications. “This is a Departmental loss of income… It is not a matter for the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to intervene at this stage,” the officer stated. The committee can only proceed after identifying a budget source to cover the anticipated revenue shortfall.
The conversation surrounding free parking comes as Belfast prepares for the annual celebrations of St Patrick’s Day, which attract thousands of visitors each year. By addressing parking and transportation issues, the council aims to enhance the overall experience for both residents and visitors.
As discussions continue, Belfast City Council will report back next month with further details on how any loss of income from free parking could be managed within the existing budget framework. The outcome of these deliberations will determine whether visitors will enjoy free parking during this year’s festivities.
