A councillor in Dungannon has urged Mid Ulster District Council to introduce free car parking throughout the year, arguing it would help boost town-centre trade. The call came during a Development committee meeting on June 11, where plans for a temporary Christmas parking discount were also discussed.

The committee was told by Assistant Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Strategic Programmes, Fiona McKeown, that approval was being sought for a reduced tariff in off-street car parks in Dungannon and Magherafelt during the festive season. The proposal would see the first three hours priced at 10 pence, at an estimated cost of £29,800 from the council's Economic Development budget.

Independent councillor Barry Monteith, who represents the Dungannon District Electoral Area, said the authority should go further and abolish parking charges throughout the year. He pointed out that Cookstown already benefits from free parking while Dungannon and Magherafelt do not, describing the situation as unfair.

Councillor Monteith also voiced support for a campaign to reduce VAT in the hospitality sector to 10 per cent. He stated that pubs and restaurants in the area were under significant pressure and suggested the council lend its weight to the campaign. He asked that the issue be added to the agenda for the next committee meeting, with a view to ratification at the full council meeting in July.

Additionally, Councillor Monteith proposed that the council receive a presentation from local hospitality businesses to better understand the challenges they face. His motion was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor Dominic Molloy, who also represents the Dungannon area.

The council has not yet made a decision on either the Christmas tariff reduction or the broader free parking proposal. Both are expected to be discussed further in coming weeks.