The works at Quay Lane carpark are to allow for more parking spaces in the lead up to Christmas. It has been confirmed that 65 spaces will be available in the car park in the lead up to the festive season, a busy time for local business.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) confirmed to The Impartial Reporter that 65 spaces will be available in the Quay Lane carpark. The works are still due to move in phases and the number of spaces available will depend on the stage of the works.

Explaining, phase one of the works in the car park (marked in red in above image) , a FODC spokesperson said: “Works in this area have a target completion of the start of November. This car park will then be opened to the public and will provide 43 spaces plus 3 disabled spaces. The proposed western car park (Green area) will not commence until the Mid-January therefore the total available spaces in the Quay Lane car park in the lead up to Christmas will be approx. 65 spaces.

However, there will be some disruption for pedestrians as footpath works will be taking place from later this month until January. A FODC spokesperson said: “Works to the footways will commence Mid October with target completion Mid January 2023. This will cause some disruption to pedestrians but access will be provided to the various businesses during the duration of the works.”

The final phase to west area of the car park (marked in green) will take place after the Christmas period and limit some parking. A spokesperson for FODC said: “Phase three works to the car park will not commence until after the Christmas period; Mid-January. This will reduce the car park down to 43 spaces plus 3 disabled spaces until the work has been completed by Mid-February.

The contractor will endeavour to complete the project within the timeframe noted but any unforeseen circumstances during the construction works could affect this and updates will be provided where necessary.

The development has been welcomed by local businesses as many had expressed concern about the carpark not operating below capacity in the lead up to Christmas. One of those who warned of consequences for local business if soloutions were not found was Fintan O’Doherty of O’Doherty Fine Meats.

Speaking to this newspaper, Fintan said: “The outcome is what we would have expected [in the lead up to Christmas] and it is welcome to have this confirmed.”