Gortin Glen car park charges plan rejected by councillors

FERMANAGH and Omagh councillors have rejected plans to introduce car park charges at the Gortin Glen Forest Park.

It is understood that the unanimous decision was taken when the matter was discussed under confidential business at a meeting of the Environmental Services committee on Wednesday night.

Officials were proposing to introduce a £3 charge, with £5 for families, for every vehicle travelling to the popular destination on 60 days per year, including weekends and Bank Holidays. The move could have raised an estimated £125,000 in additional revenue for the council.

But now the plans appear to have fallen at the first hurdle, although a final decision on the proposal will be taken when the full council hears a report at its next meeting next month. Instead, it is understood that councillors have asked for officials to go back to the drawing board and examine other less controversial ways of raising additional money.

The decision came amid widespread opposition to the introduction of car park charges at Gortin Glens. The Friends of the Glens group, which promotes the park for walking and other activities, also voiced its strong opposition.

Gortin Glen Forest Park is one of the most popular forest parks in the north, and welcomed more than 160,000 visitors in 2-22/23.

SDLP Mid-Tyrone councillor, Bernard McGrath, said his party strongly resisted any plans for car park charges at the Glens.

“We recognise the financial struggles facing many people in this area and that’s why we resisted the recent rates increase and similar punitive moves that would punish the worst off within our community,” he added.

“I would ask that the council be transparent with the public around this issue. They have a duty to provide the best services possible to people right across this area, this park attracts a huge number of visitors every week and we should be doing everything in our power to keep it as accessible as possible.”

West Tyrone SDLP MLA, Daniel McCrossan, urged Fermanagh and Omagh council not to ‘heap more misery’ by introducing charges for a family walk at the weekend. He said everything should be done to encourage people to get out and enjoy the fresh air.