Key Service Telephone Numbers
Special Events on Public Roads
Notice of proposed Road Closure
Jimmy’s 10K
Saintfield Christmas Fair
Downpatrick Christmas Light Switch On
Grinchmas in Newcastle
Newry Christmas Lights Switch on
Castlewellan Christmas Cracker
Road Closure Application Information for Holding a Special Event on a Public Road
The Roads (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (NI) 2010
The Road Traffic Regulation (NI) 1997 Order
These pieces of legislation give Councils the power to prohibit or restrict the use of a public road for holding a special event.
Do I need to Apply for a Road Closure?
If your event will block, restrict, or redirect traffic on a public road, you may need a Road Closure Order. The requirement depends on the type of event you are planning.
You must apply for a Road Closure Order if you are:
- Holding a sporting event (e.g. marathon, fun run) on a public road.
You must also apply to Athletics NI for road races or cross-country events.
Tel: 028 9060 2707 | Website: www.athleticsni.org
- Hosting a street party or similar small community event on a public road.
Refer to the Guidance Notes For Applicants Special Events.
- Holding a concert or similar entertainment event on a public road.
An Entertainments Licence may also be required.
- Filming on a public road.
You must complete an additional supplementary form providing filming-specific details.
You do not need to apply for a Road Closure Order for:
- Cycle races or trials on public roads.
However, approval from Cycling Ireland or Cycling Ulster may be required.
Cycling Ireland: Tel 00 353 1855 1522 | www.cyclingireland.ie
Cycling Ulster: www.cyclingulster.com
- Parades or public processions.
You may need to apply to the Parades Commission under the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998.
Tel: 028 9089 5900 | www.paradescommission.org
- Motor races on public roads.
Approval may be needed from Sport Northern Ireland.
Tel: 028 9038 1222 | www.sportni.net
What Should I Consider Before Applying?
1. Prepare a Traffic Management Plan
This must show:
- How traffic will be diverted or stopped
- How participants and spectators will be protected from live traffic
- How pedestrian access will be maintained at all times to all premises on or accessed only from the road
2. Consult with Those Affected
You must prove that you have notified and consulted:
- Residents
- Businesses
- Bus operators
- Taxi companies
- Any other parties affected by the closure
3. Secure Adequate Insurance
You must have right insurance cover, including £10 million public liability insurance.
4. Refer to DfI Roads Guidance
You should review the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads guidance for promoters of events before applying.
How early do I have to apply?
You must send your application at least 12 weeks before the event. This is to allow time for consultation with statutory bodies and for the required public advertisement.
The Council must publish a public notice in a local newspaper and/or on the Council website, allowing a minimum of 21 days for written representations.
Road Closure Order Fees?
Large Event: £655 (submitted with your application)
Small Event: £435 (submitted with your application)
Voluntary / Charitable / Not-for-Profit Organisations:
Charged advertising costs only, payable after the Council places the advertisement
Cheques should be made payable to:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Enforcement Action
Road closures are enforced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
If you hold an event without approval or fail to comply with a Road Closure Order, you may be committing a criminal offence. The Council will also take any previous non-compliance into consideration when assessing future applications.
How to Apply
Further information and assistance can be obtained from:
Newry Office
Licensing Section
Unit 19 Rampart Road
Greenbank Industrial Estate
Newry, BT34 2QU
Downpatrick Office
Licensing Section
Downshire Civic Centre
Downshire Estate
Ardglass Road
Downpatrick, BT30 6GQ
Alternatively click on the links in the downloads section.
Contact Details
Email: licensing@nmandd.org
Telephone: 0330 137 4030