New car parking charges system to be brought in for borough’s forest and country parks

The local authority has announced registered households in the district will be able to obtain a ‘single-park permit’, granting free car entry into one of the council’s four Forest and Country Parks when the new system gets underway from March 4.

The pass can be obtained at the park of their choice from Monday, March 4 with the production of valid photographic ID such as their driving licence. This will grant free entry up until March 31, 2025.

However, entry to the three remaining parks will require the purchase of a £25 resident ‘all-park permit’ or the payment of a daily entry charge (rates vary by vehicle type).

Non-district residents can pay the daily entrance rate or purchase a ‘single-park permit’ (£25) or an ‘all-park permit’ (£60). Minibus permits can also be purchased at £65 per park. For pedestrians and cyclists, they can continue to access any of the four forest/country parks with no charge applied.

A council spokesperson said, “The four forest and country parks — Kilbroney Forest Park, Delamont Country Park, Castlewellan Forest Park and Slieve Gullion Forest Park attract a substantial number of visitors per annum and an increasing number of visitors from outside the district.

“All four parks play an increasingly important role in driving economic development through tourism and of supporting local communities and businesses. It is important that residents can continue to access their local park, which is why it was important for the Council to introduce a permit scheme.

“The revenue generated from the new Parking Permit scheme will be used for the ongoing development and maintenance of these award-winning parks.

“The Council has agreed to undertake a six-month review on the operation of the Parking Permit scheme.”

The full details, including a list of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ can be found at: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/parking