AQO 693/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 20/06/2024
Answered On Date: 01/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the proposed Park and Ride facility at Newtownards.

Answer:

Translink is taking the lead in delivering the Newtownards Park and Ride site that will create 430 parking spaces. It will improve public transport links and become a central hub for connecting people and encourage modal shift from the private car to public transport that in turn will help reduce transport emissions and support the wider Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 commitments.

I am pleased that my Department has already facilitated the land transfer from Ards and North Down Council for the site.

Translink is currently taking forward the statutory processes including the planning application, the detailed design and the business case.

The timescale for delivery will be dependent on conclusion to these pieces of work and future funding availability.

Translink is working closely with the Council and my Department to take cognisance of proposals for active travel linkages.