Foyle Cup drivers urged to park 'respectfully and safely'

Police in Londonderry have asked people attending matches at the city's Foyle Cup football tournament to park carefully amid some concerns from local residents.

More than 1,000 teams are competing in nearly 4,000 matches over the tournament's run across more than 60 venues in the north west.

Democratic Unionist Party councillor Niree McMorris said the scale of the tournament has made parking "a nightmare" for some local residents.

Police said that while people may wish to park in the most convenient place, it is important to park in a safe and legal way and are asking drivers to "really think about the impact of their actions".

Organisers of the tournament said they have repeatedly asked on their social media channels that those coming to games be respectful of residents when parking.

McMorris told BBC News NI the tournament is a "wonderful event" that brings thousands into the north west.

But, she added, there now "needs to be a serious look at the parking issues".

She lives close to the Waterside Shared Village, one of the Foyle Cup's busiest venues.

"The parking has been an absolute nightmare for local residents. We have people parking on pavements, grass verges, practically anywhere that they can."

"You can't blame them, they are here to support their children – but there is a logistical nightmare when it comes to parking," she said.

There are concerns for emergency service and carer access, McMorris said, adding it is time now "to explore all the options" ahead of future tournaments.

Philip Devlin from the Foyle Cup committee said prior to the tournament a lot of work had been done with the emergency services, local council, and other statutory agencies to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.

"The roads are busy, no doubt about that. When you have 100,000 people moving from A to B at any one time of course it is going to be busier.

"However, to date, we have not had one phone call from the emergency services or from police - we believe everything is going fine," he said.

Devlin said the tournament had used social media to repeatedly ask those coming to games to respect local residents when parking in residential areas.

He asked people to be "respectful and mindful" when it comes to parking.

Aidan McKinney was among those watching the tournament in Derry on Thursday morning.

He told BBC News NI problems around parking come because of the success of the tournament, adding the Foyle Cup is a "great week for the city".

"There's not a problem providing people treat others with respect. Unfortunately you always find one or two who are not as careful in what they do, who block people's entrances, block emergency services," he said.

"But it is the minority," he added.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman said: "We're asking drivers to really think about the impact of their actions, and that's whether you live in the area, or if you're visiting someone who lives locally, or you're in the area for another reason."

She added: "If vehicles are parked on a footpath, not only does this restrict access for wheelchair users and pedestrians, but it also increases the risk to their safety as they can be forced onto the road."