Plans in place to ensure a sensational St Patrick’s for Strabane

ST PATRICK’S Day celebrations make a welcome return to Strabane this week.

Due to the Covid pandemic it has been a two year break for the annual parade and the Council is calling on the public to please check out the traffic and travel information before joining in the fun.

The main Festival parade event will make its way through the town on Thursday March 17 at 2pm, and a number of restrictions are in place to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, appealed to everyone to follow the guidance and to expect some delays. “It’s been two years since our last St Patrick’s event and we are expecting large crowds this year with the easing of restrictions,” he explained.

“It promises to be a fantastic and vibrant celebration and I know there’s a real sense of excitement and anticipation already building. It’s been great to see the community getting behind the festival once again and so many local groups and businesses have been working hard to ensure this is an unforgettable day for Strabane.

“Plans are in place to ensure the safety of parade participants and the public, and I am asking people to please check out the information in advance of their visit, and to follow the guidance of stewards and the PSNI. We want everyone to enjoy the Festival safely, so be mindful of others when out and about and give people plenty of space. Taking a lateral flow test before going out can also ensure that those around you can enjoy the festivities safely. Finally, I hope everyone has a very safe and a very enjoyable St Patrick’s Day!”

Anyone planning a visit to Strabane on Thursday should note that diversions will be in place between 1.30pm until 3.30pm on a number of roads.

The parade will depart from Holy Cross College and travel along Melmount Road onto Bridge Street and over Strabane Bridge before making its way to Market Street, Abercorn Square, Railway Street and finishing at Canal Street.

Event diversions will be in place along the parade route along Melmount Road and Bridge Street from 1.30pm with alternative routes clearly signposted in accordance with the PSNI’s Traffic Management Plans.

Diversions will also be in place along the town centre parade route from 2pm until the parade passes including Main Street, Market Street, Butcher Street, Abercorn Square, Derry Road, Railway Road, Dock Street and Canal Street.

Traffic diversions will be in place with alternative routes signposted in accordance with the PSNI’s Traffic Management Plans.

People are asked to please allow extra time for their journey due to the high volume of traffic within the town centre.

Visitors should note that Cullen’s Fun Fair will also be located at Canal Street Carpark until Sunday March 20. The funfair will open from 12 noon to late.

If anyone has any queries regarding the St Patrick’s Parade celebrations they can contact the Council’s Events Team directly on 02871253253.