Council set to take over Abbey Square car park
WEXFORD County Council has confirmed that it is to take over the running of the Abbey Square Car Park, having reached a deal with former owner Norman Buttle for it’s purchase. Council workers have been visible at the car park over the past week, as they carry out improvement works before making it a metered county council car park. As soon as the work is complete, those who wish to park there will now have to pay the council’s short stay rates of €1 per hour.
District Manager Liz Hore confirmed the news last week, saying it was a key location for the town.
‘Improvement works are currently being carried out,’ she said. ‘There are a number of things we need to do to bring the car park up to code, such as putting in some disability bays and that kind of thing. The car park has 100 spaces and all these will be lined and marked out as part of the upgrades.’
While a considerable amount of people park in Abbey Square before heading off to work for the day, Ms Hore says that the council car park at the Mill Yard will service their needs at €2 a day, as well some of the spaces on the promenade.
For those who have frequented the car park in recent years, Michael Brennan, Joe Robinson and Daryl Hennessy will be familiar faces. The trio have a combined service of over forty years at the car park, during which time they’ve greeted people with a cheerful hello in the mornings and seen them off with a chat in the evenings. Michael has put in 20 years service, Joe 18 and Daryl is the relative newcomer with 3 years.
Over the last 20 years, the lads would have seen big changes in Enniscorthy - businesses opening and closing, staff coming and going, historical events and the daily goings on of the town.
‘I suppose I would’ve seen some big changes right enough,’ said Michael. ‘I think, really, since SuperValu went out of the centre a couple of years ago, it’s had a devastating impact on things. That was a major blow. I’d say I will miss it alright. I’ll miss having the banter with people coming in and out. You get to know people over time and you’d enjoy having the bit of craic with them coming in and out.’
As a token of appreciation, local business owners and staff made a presentation to Michael, Joe and Daryl to thank them for their kindness over the years and the three cut a special cake, marking the end of an era at the Abbey Square Car Park.