Campaign for free parking in Belfast car parks on St Patrick's Day REJECTED

Last year's St Patrick's Day celebrations saw 47 drivers receive fines in council-operated facilities, generating revenue upwards of £4,230.

The disparity in treatment between public holidays has prompted criticism from Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Gary McKeown, who has demanded equal treatment across all designated bank holidays in Northern Ireland.

Councillor McKeown highlighted a notable inconsistency between the council's approach and that of the Department for Infrastructure, which oversees on-street parking across Northern Ireland.

The department opted to waive fines for unpaid on-street parking on St Patrick's Day last year, bringing the celebration into alignment with other public holidays.

"The Department for Infrastructure has changed its policy to bring St Patrick's Day in line with how other public holidays are designated," Councillor McKeown told Sunday Life.

"The council has opted not to do that, and is out of step with the department, meaning there is a discrepancy in relation to other holidays and people face being fined again."

The proposal for complimentary parking on St Patrick's Day was initially considered by the council's People and Communities Committee in January before being deferred.

When the matter returned to committee on February 23, councillors rejected the measure over financial considerations, with meeting minutes indicating it would "result in a loss of operating income".

The council also cited its corporate commitment to promoting active travel as justification for maintaining charges.

DUP councillor Fred Cobain, who chairs the committee, described the outcome as "quite a simple decision" because the motion "couldn't get a seconder".

He added: "All of the parties, outside the SDLP, were happy with the decision that was taken by the committee."

Councillor McKeown expressed concern that the conflicting policies between the council and department could catch visitors unaware.

"Drivers may unwittingly incur parking fines, which is obviously not nice for people coming into the city to celebrate and bring business into the town," he said.

"It's more just about people's perceptions around what they can expect on bank holidays. The greater consistency the better."

The councillor also urged improved public transport provision, calling on Translink to enhance services.

A Translink spokesman said service on St Patrick's Day is "tailored to meet the demand of a Public Holiday," adding: "In Belfast, Metro and Glider will operate on a school holiday timetable, with all services operating except school services."

The Twelfth of July, which began in the 18th century in Ulster, is a protestant public holiday celebrated primarily in Northern Ireland that involves major parades, Union Jack flag-bearing and large, towering bonfires.

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