The lights are on but nobody is at home!
That was the concern of one Armagh resident who queried why the Trian car park in the city centre remains closed to the public, months after it was expected to open – and years after it closed for refurbishment!
Armagh I posed the question of Council back in April 2023 and the response was a positive one – the gates to the 90-space car park would be open the following month – in May 2023.
Alas, the wait goes on.
However, just before Christmas, that Armagh resident, who had sought answers high and low, ventured into our Barrack Street office to ask why the car park remained closed, despite the lights burning bright day and night!
“Are we paying for that?” she asked of our staff.
The car park at St Patrick’s Trian, on Upper English Street, was shuttered in early 2020 and has been ever since.
Back in March 2019, Armagh I reported that ABC Council had gone out to tender for the complete refurbishment of the car park – at an approximate cost of £1 million. It is unclear if the project has gone over that original cost.
Council had planned on carrying on essential repairs before the Covid-19 pandemic curtailed those works but were confident the facility would be open to the public last May.
When contacted just before Christmas, a Council spokesperson said: “Following some unforeseen delays, we are currently working towards the car park at St Patrick’s Trian reopening in the New Year.”
While not committing to an exact date, Armagh I understands that should be in January.
