Traffic and travel advice for St Patrick’s Day

The Mayor, Kevin Campbell extended a warm welcome to everyone to come along and be part of this family focused celebration.

“St Patrick’s Parade is one of the highlights in the event calendar for all to enjoy, the city will be buzzing from noon until 6pm with a fantastic line up of events planned from Live Music, puppet and magic shows, arts and crafts as well as an array of street theatre.

He said: “As always, and to ensure a safe environment, a strictly no alcohol policy will be implemented marshals in attendance throughout the city centre and Ebrington site and Derry City Council will set up an information point in Guidlhall Square to provide assistance on the times and locations of the wide programme of events.”

He added that the public should be prepared for some minor delays and to allow a little extra time than usual for your journey into the city centre to allow the passing of the Carnival. For up to date details of all traffic and travel information, visit http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/StPatricksDay/Traffic-and-Travel or tune into BBC Radio Foyle and Q120.9FM.

Parade Time and route: The Spring Carnival Parade will commence at 2pm from Derry City Council Offices Carpark where it will progress along the Strand Road, around Harbour Square Roundabout and returning back to the Council offices along the Queens Quay at approximately 3pm. It is possible to view the parade at any point along this route.

Road Closures/ Diversions

Motorists are advised that in order to accommodate the safety of the viewing public there will be some road closures and diversions in place from 1pm on March 17.

Lane closures will be introduced along the Strand Road and Foyle Embankment in advance of the parade. The Strand Road lane closure in front of the Council offices will be in operation from 1pm and the Foyle Embankment lane closure on the city bound approach to Water Street will be operational from 1.50pm to approximately 3.15pm.

Strand Road, Harbour Square, Queen’s Quay, Whittaker Street and Foyle Embankment between Water Street and City Hotel will be closed to traffic during the parade between 2pm to 3pm. Alternative diversions will be available during this time.

Car Parking

The DRD car park on Queen’s Quay and Foyle Street will be closed from midnight in Saturday, March 16, until Sunday evening, however there will be ample car parking spaces available within the vicinity of the city side on 17th March including Foyleside Car Park East and West (opened 11.30am-6pm) and Quayside Shopping centre (12.15pm to 6.30pm). A number of other free car parks are available at Victoria Market, Strand Road, Bishop Street, Society Street, Carlisle Road, William Street, Foyle Road & Spencer Road.

Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and that they should avoid parking anywhere where they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access. It is vital, therefore, that people use the available car parks.

Disabled access: Blue Badge holders should use available public, disabled car parking spaces. There will also be limited disabled car parking at the front of the DRD’s Strand Road car park. The disabled drop off point is also designated at the entrance to Custom House Street.

Drop off points / Emergency meeting point: The drop off point has been identified as the entrance to Custom House Street. Public toilets will be located on Guildhall Street and there will be a designated meeting point set up in Guildhall Square.

Public transport: Where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event. Details of all buses can be found by visiting www.translink.co.uk/Routes-and-Timetables