The environmental services committee at ABC Council has recommended the local authority approves a request to use Lurgan Park for car parking on the Twelfth of July.
At the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, March 7, members were advised Lurgan District LOL 6 is organising this year’s demonstration parade for lodges from Co Armagh.
It is anticipated the event will attract approximately 40,000 visitors into the town and in order to reduce traffic congestion, the organisers have requested the use of Lurgan Park to park approximately 2,000 vehicles from members of the Orange Orders and spectators of the commemorative parade.
A report on the matter, issued to members of the committee explains the park will remain open to the public, though will be busier than usual. However, the request will mean traffic management and movement will be taking place throughout the site between 9am and 4pm on the day of the event.
Members of the Lurgan District LOL 6 and volunteers will be responsible for the marshalling of vehicles in the park during the event and additional toilet facilities will be in place. All vehicles will be marshalled from the Avenue Road entrance to the agreed areas within Lurgan Park and assistance will be provided from the police to ensure the safe and efficient clearance of the park after the event.
Council will be charging hire of half the park at a rate of £230 for this booking. A returnable deposit of £1,200 will also be required to off set against ground damage caused during the event.
A proposal to approve the recommendation to grant consent/permission for Lurgan District LOL 6 to use Lurgan Park for the parking of approximately 2,000 cars on Wednesday, July 12 from 9am to 4pm, subject to insurance and health and safety matters, was put forward by Alderman Ian Burns.
The proposal was seconded by Alderman Stephen Moutray, who noted the same thing was done in 2010 when Lurgan last hosted the county demonstration.
“It alleviated what could have been a potential bottleneck in Windsor Avenue and made life a lot easier for those who wanted to attend the demonstration and watch it,” he said.
“It also made life easier for those who did not want to watch it, they were able to make their way around the town a lot easier so I am very happy to second this proposal.”
