Write a commentVisitors to Slieve Gullion Courtyard and forest park have now got an extra 84 parking spaces to use.
The popular facility has struggled in recent years to facilitate everyone who arrived, especially during busy times like the Footsteps in the Forest festival.
Slieve Gullion Councillor Mickey Larkin has welcomed the increased parking saying “The provision of an extra 84 parking spaces for visitors along with the relocation of parking for coaches is a welcome development for this iconic site.
"The popularity of Slieve Gullion is increasing year on year and it is important to continually review facilities on site. The issue of adequate parking on site has been to the forefront of discussions between myself and Council officers over the past number of years.
"With the development of the Fairy Trail, forest walks and the Footsteps in the Forest festival there has been increasing pressure on parking which has spilled over onto the surrounding side roads. This has had a detrimental effect on local residents who have found themselves hemmed in by visitors. With this in mind car parking for an extra 70 vehicles was provided two years ago. The added provision of 84 more parking spaces this year and with the implementation of traffic management plans for events, it is hoped that these problems will be addressed.
"As the development of this historic site continues over the next few years it is imperative that the Council take on board the views of the residents who live in the vicinity of Slieve Gullion."
