Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has opened a £300,000 extension to the Park and Ride facility at Drumahoe near L'Derry, which more than doubles the number of car park spaces available.

Originally the site at Drumahoe served Belfast bound customers and provided 150 car park spaces. Complementing the new 271 car park facility, Translink has introduced additional bus services from Drumahoe to Foyle Street in L'Derry.

Mr Kennedy said: "The Drumahoe Park and Ride has become an established facility for customers travelling to Belfast and has consistently been operating at over 80% capacity.

"Now with increased parking capacity, coupled with the additional Translink services providing a convenient link to Foyle Street in the city, Drumahoe offers an ideal solution for many commuters wishing to park their cars safely and make their onward journey onboard a coach or bus service.

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"This investment is a further demonstration of our commitment towards promoting and providing more sustainable transport options. I am confident it will encourage even more people to consider public transport."

The project has been welcomed by Derry City Council, Ilex and the City of Culture Company.

Mr Kennedy continued: "The 'UK City of Culture 2013' year is set to be an enormously important year for the people of Londonderry. It will undoubtedly result in increased visitor figures. Drumahoe, together with other temporary Park and Ride sites we will be providing will help visitors avoid congestion and make the experience of visiting this historic city even better.

"I extend my thanks to everyone involved in the successful delivery of this important investment and congratulate Whitemountain Quarries Limited, on their work and in delivering the extension with minimal disruption to the daily use of this already well used car park."

(CD/GK)