Car parking, rates, promotion of Limavady the ‘big issues’

That was just one suggestion heralded by a small group of traders at a meeting of the DSD’s High Streets Task Force when it stopped in Limavady this week. 

Limavady is among more than two dozen towns across the North on the Task Force’s schedule. DSD officials Paul McNaught and Niall McVitty told the meeting feedback would be taken back to the minister to evaluate. 

Although poorly attended, those present had plenty of ideas about what could help bring footfall into the town. 

“We need to embrace what’s here,” said one man, referring to Limavady as the home of Danny Boy, having the Roe Valley Country Park and Benone beach. 

“Retailers are suffering because we don’t attract people into the town,” said one man, adding in Sligo they have large signs referring to their links with famous Irish poet, WB Yeats. “We should be doing the same with Danny Boy, but we seem to have missed the boat that way. We need to promote the town to get people into the town.” 

Other issues discussed at the meeting included rates and car parking charges. One woman said rather than a ‘pay and display’ system, a ‘pay as you exit’ system would be better at the town’s two DSD facilities. She also suggested having a two-hour on-street parking system, where the first hour would be free. 

“The one hour system is not enticing for people to stay in the town. They’re constantly watching the clock.” 

Up and coming events including the Irish Open in Portrush, City of Culture events such as the Fleadh, and the Clipper Yacht race were highlighted as examples were Limavady should be cashing in. Council’s director of development services, Valerie Richmond said efforts were being made, but it hadn’t been an easy road. 

It was revealed Council was planning an event to explore how local businesses could capitalise on City of Culture events. 

The evening economy was also discussed, with those at the meeting stating more effort could be made to provide a link between night time venues and, in particular, to cater to tourists. 

“The quality is here, and we have a lot to offer, but it is something we need to look at,” said Ms Richmond.

The proposed closure of Magilligan Prison and Limavady Courthouse were also raised, which was branded as “mad” by President of the Roe Valley Chamber of Trade, Philip Kingston. 

Speaking after the meeting, long-time business man Paddy O’Brien of Limavady Printing Company said while there were a lot of constructive ideas put forward he questioned what would become of them, and suspected they may fall on deaf ears. 

“The decisions about Magilligan Prison and the courthouse have already been made. It’s up to us to help ourselves, and we also need to publicise this town and sell all we have - like Thackery, Massey, Danny Boy and the Roe Valley Country Park,” he said. “Our councillors need to be more aggressive in helping the promote the borough. Get right into the government departments and see what money is there and fight for it. See what we can get for Limavady and the promote the town.”

SDLP Colr. Michael Coyle said help is there, it’s a matter of getting it. 

Sinn Fein Colr. Dermot Nicholl said the meeting was the start of moves in the right direction. He agreed marketing and promotion of the town needed work and said a campaign involving local agencies, retailers and tourism providers was urgently needed.