Kimmins announces new application process for demand-led residents’ parking schemes in Northern Ireland

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that a new application process for residents' parking schemes will open in April 2026, providing a demand‑led pathway for residents to bring forward requests for consideration.

The window for applications will initially open for a period of three months, and will reopen on a cyclical basis.

Minister Kimmins said: “I am very much aware that parking is an issue of concern for residents in many areas and, along with my officials, I have been carefully considering the best way to address this.

“Since my predecessor John O'Dowd published the Residents' Parking Review Report in late 2024 there has been a significant level of demand for the establishment of residents' parking zones.

“In response to this high level of interest, the new demand-led process will provide a streamlined approach for considering, assessing and prioritising requests for schemes going forward.

“In the interim we will continue to develop the schemes already commenced such as in the Bogside in Derry and Iveagh area of Belfast.”

To be considered for a residents' parking zone, an area must: have persistent commuter or nuisance parking; be all public (not private) roads; and have less than 50 per cent of properties with access to off-street parking.

Further information on residents' parking zones, including guidance on how to apply, has now been published on NI Direct at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/residents-parking

This will provide residents with all the information necessary to determine whether a scheme is appropriate for their area.

Minister Kimmins added: “I would encourage those who believe their area would benefit from a residents' parking zone to review the criteria and guidance when it is published and consider submitting an application.”