Council Investment to Address Donard Park Anti-Social Behaviour

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council plans to erect automated barriers and new lighting at an overflow car park at Newcastle’s Donard Park.

The Council is one of a number of organisations which has been working to address ongoing anti-social behaviour at this part of the resort.

Working alongside residents, elected representatives, the Department for Infrastructure and PSNI, a recommendation from the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee to invest the money on timed exit barriers to manage car park access at night and provide new lighting was ratified by the full Council at its meeting on Monday 2 February, 2026.

Council officials have met Newcastle business owners to discuss their concerns, with the entrance to the overflow car park currently blocked with concrete bollards to curb the activities of young drivers.

The installation of automated barriers will ensure residents can access their homes via the main car park at all times, with the work part of a multi-agency approach to address the ongoing challenges. The new measures are also designed to ensure the safety of people using the Council’s 3G sports pitch which is adjacent to the overflow car park.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “The Council has played its part working with residents and other statutory agencies to address the issues in Donard Park.

“Incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area are well documented, with the Council working   alongside residents and other statutory agencies to help address them. All the agencies involved are acutely aware of what needs to happen.

“The Council proposals will be welcomed by residents, business owners and visitors,” the Chairperson added. “The new barriers and lighting are part of an action plan designed to ensure Donard car park is open, welcoming and safe for everyone.”

Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, Chairperson of the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee, has welcomed the move to provide new barriers and lighting at Donard Park.

“This is a welcome step and one that will be very much appreciated by residents who live at this part of the resort and neighbouring businesses who have had to put up with anti-social behaviour,” she added.