15/07/2026
Newry BID Welcomes Permanent Extension of One Hour Parking Grace Period
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that the one-hour grace period for people parking in on-street spaces within the Controlled Parking Zones in Newry and Lisburn will be made permanent.
It means that drivers who have paid for on-street parking will have up to one hour to return to their cars after their paid parking period expires.
Newry BID has lobbied extensively for fairness in relation to on-street parking in Newry. The team worked with the Minister, her Department and the business community to deliver a pilot in late 2025. This provided greater flexibility for people visiting local shops, cafés and other city centre businesses.
Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly has now welcomed this permanent extension.
"Newry BID has consistently called for measures that make it easier for people to visit and spend time in our city centre, so we very much welcome the extension of the one-hour parking grace period. It is a positive step for businesses, shoppers and the wider city. We would like to thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of the business community and for her continued support for our city centre.
“We now need to make sure that people know this option is there and that they avail of it to stay longer in the city. BID will be launching an advertising campaign over the summer to ensure the message is communicated.”
Minister Kimmins said: “I am committed to doing all I can to help support local businesses and encourage people to spend more time on the high street. We have all been in the position where we end up taking slightly longer than planned in one of our many fantastic local shops or chatting with friends over a coffee or lunch in a café or restaurant. I want people to have the reassurance that they can take that extra time to browse or order another coffee without the worry of having to rush back to their car.
“I introduced the pilot initiative while considering a longer-term approach to on-street parking for Newry and Lisburn that would help meet the needs of local communities, visitors and businesses. During the pilot, more than 1,000 drivers availed of the additional flexibility, while the arrangements continued to support the effective flow of traffic. I am therefore pleased to announce that effective immediately these arrangements will be made permanent.
“I encourage all visitors to Newry and Lisburn to continue to park responsibly to ensure we have safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local businesses and a transport system that works for everyone.”
This grace period applies when using both the pay machine service and the app to park on-street in Newry city centre.
