11/03/2026
Kimmins Unveils Demand-Led Application Route For Residents' Parking Zones
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed a new application route for residents' parking schemes will go live in April 2026, giving communities a structured way to bring forward proposals for consideration.
The first application window will run for three months before reopening on a recurring basis.
Minister Kimmins said: "I am very much aware that parking is an issue of concern for residents in many areas and, along with my officials, I have been carefully considering the best way to address this.
"Since my predecessor John O'Dowd published the Residents' Parking Review Report in late 2024 there has been a significant level of demand for the establishment of residents' parking zones.
"In response to this high level of interest, the new demand-led process will provide a streamlined approach for considering, assessing and prioritising requests for schemes going forward.
"In the interim we will continue to develop the schemes already commenced such as in the Bogside in Derry and Iveagh area of Belfast."
To be considered for a residents' parking zone, an area must: experience persistent commuter or nuisance parking; comprise only public (not private) roads; and have fewer than 50% of properties with access to off‑street parking.
Further information on residents' parking zones, including guidance on how to apply, has been published on NI Direct at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/residents-parking. This will help residents determine whether a scheme is appropriate for their area.
Minister Kimmins added: "I would encourage those who believe their area would benefit from a residents' parking zone to review the criteria and guidance when it is published and consider submitting an application."
The first application window will run for three months before reopening on a recurring basis.
Minister Kimmins said: "I am very much aware that parking is an issue of concern for residents in many areas and, along with my officials, I have been carefully considering the best way to address this.
"Since my predecessor John O'Dowd published the Residents' Parking Review Report in late 2024 there has been a significant level of demand for the establishment of residents' parking zones.
"In the interim we will continue to develop the schemes already commenced such as in the Bogside in Derry and Iveagh area of Belfast."
To be considered for a residents' parking zone, an area must: experience persistent commuter or nuisance parking; comprise only public (not private) roads; and have fewer than 50% of properties with access to off‑street parking.
Further information on residents' parking zones, including guidance on how to apply, has been published on NI Direct at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/residents-parking. This will help residents determine whether a scheme is appropriate for their area.
Minister Kimmins added: "I would encourage those who believe their area would benefit from a residents' parking zone to review the criteria and guidance when it is published and consider submitting an application."
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12 March 2026
St Patrick's Day Parking Charges Abolished in Key Cities
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that St Patrick's Day will henceforth be classified as a non-charge day for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). The decision follows a successful amendment to existing legislation, which ensures that St Patrick's Day is now treated with the same parking exemptions as other major holiday periods.
St Patrick's Day Parking Charges Abolished in Key Cities
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that St Patrick's Day will henceforth be classified as a non-charge day for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). The decision follows a successful amendment to existing legislation, which ensures that St Patrick's Day is now treated with the same parking exemptions as other major holiday periods.
09 October 2007
Tickets Bonanza On Parking
A year after responsibility for parking fines moved from the police to the Department for Regional Development (DRD), more than 140,000 tickets for illegal parking have been issued. New statistics show that since parking enforcement moved from the PSNI last October, 143,564 parking tickets were issued by DRD-contracted National Car Parks wardens.
Tickets Bonanza On Parking
A year after responsibility for parking fines moved from the police to the Department for Regional Development (DRD), more than 140,000 tickets for illegal parking have been issued. New statistics show that since parking enforcement moved from the PSNI last October, 143,564 parking tickets were issued by DRD-contracted National Car Parks wardens.
26 November 2025
Kimmins Unveils Festive Parking Grace For Lisburn And Newry
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has introduced a seasonal pilot giving drivers an additional hour's grace after their paid parking session ends in on-street bays within the Controlled Parking Zones in Lisburn and Newry, meaning motorists can return to their vehicles within that period without receiving a ticket.
Kimmins Unveils Festive Parking Grace For Lisburn And Newry
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has introduced a seasonal pilot giving drivers an additional hour's grace after their paid parking session ends in on-street bays within the Controlled Parking Zones in Lisburn and Newry, meaning motorists can return to their vehicles within that period without receiving a ticket.
29 October 2014
Consultation Announced For Parking Schemes
A formal consultation regarding the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme in areas of south Belfast have commenced. The schemes involve the Lower Malone and College Park Avenue/Rugby Road areas in the city.
Consultation Announced For Parking Schemes
A formal consultation regarding the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme in areas of south Belfast have commenced. The schemes involve the Lower Malone and College Park Avenue/Rugby Road areas in the city.
14 November 2025
Infrastructure Minister Makes Flexible Parking Pledge
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has asked her officials to investigate options for greater flexibility within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Belfast, Lisburn, and Newry to support local businesses and high street shopping, particularly during the critical festive season.
Infrastructure Minister Makes Flexible Parking Pledge
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has asked her officials to investigate options for greater flexibility within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Belfast, Lisburn, and Newry to support local businesses and high street shopping, particularly during the critical festive season.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.