Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a new demand-led application process for residents' parking schemes, opening in April 2026. The initial three-month window will reopen on a cyclical basis.

The process responds to demand since John O’Dowd published the Residents’ Parking Review Report in late 2024. Areas qualify if they face persistent commuter or nuisance parking, consist of public roads only, and have less than 50 per cent of properties with off-street parking access.

Kimmins noted parking concerns for residents in various areas. She encouraged eligible communities to review criteria and apply. Guidance appears on the NI Direct website.

Ongoing schemes include the Bogside in Derry and the Iveagh area in Belfast.

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood for Foyle highlighted years of parking difficulties for Derry residents, especially near Ulster University’s Magee campus and in the Bogside. He welcomed the Executive’s authorisation of the process.

Eastwood called for management within a tailored transport framework for the university area and city-wide. He plans to collaborate with Assembly and council colleagues.

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey for West Belfast welcomed the announcement. He urged residents facing parking issues to apply when the scheme opens.