Magee Campus car park issues need resolved, says Durkan
He has vented frustrations following University of Ulster’s dismissal of his call to use recently acquired land on the Duncreggan Road to facilitate a free temporary parking arrangement.
The Foyle MLA said: “I am disappointed that UU have turned down my suggestion of using their newly acquired land at Foyle College as an interim car park to alleviate problem parking in the Duncreggan and Lower Rosemount area.
“Historically, residents around the Magee area have suffered difficulty as the result of prolonged and inconsiderate parking of, although not exclusively, University goers. Indeed the issue of parking in this area has also been prolonged and exacerbated by a lack of affordable campus parking facilities.
“The issue is not isolated to weekdays but also weekends, where families flock to watch sports at the pitches- leaving the Duncreggan Road barely passable for both pedestrians and motorists.
“This is an issue which I have consistently raised throughout the city, as well as considering resident-parking schemes in around Magee.
“However, we have seen the difficulty of actually implementing such initiatives in other residential areas.
“The Ulster University has a duty to tackle this long-standing issue and whilst I acknowledge and appreciate that the university Provost continues to address this matter with students, it requires more immediate and tangible action.
“I am not asking for the moon here, I am calling for a reasonable temporary parking provision until such a time where funds can be made available to implement more permanent infrastructure.
“Clearly efforts to date have not been sufficient and I will continue working with UU to see this matter resolved,” added Mr Durkan.
