Free parking on Saturdays in run up to Christmas

SHOPPERS TO GET TWO FREE HOURS PER VISIT

ENNISCORTHY Municipal District Council is to introduce free, two-hour parking in the town in the run up to Christmas.

The measure will be implemented on Saturdays beginning on Saturday, November 30.

The free parking scheme will be also be in place on Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21.

There will be additional free, two-hour parking implemented on Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24.

In presenting the idea to the members of the local authority at this month’s meeting, District Manager, Ger Mackey, said the town has a strong commercial offering.

He also said the importance of good Christmas trade should not be underestimated.

‘Retailers are under constant pressure from online,’ he said.

‘I am suggesting two hours free parking in the town’s car parks on the three Saturdays in December,’ he added.

‘ That would amount to 4,000 free car spaces for shoppers.’

In response to the suggestion Cllr Jackers Owens said everything should be done to get people shopping in the town and highlighted that shops were closing in the town.

‘Enniscorthy has value and variety,’ said Mr Mackey.

‘It is a strong town [and] we need to protect what we have here,’ he added.

Cllr Cathal Byrne said the idea for free parking was a good one and welcomed it.

‘I am happy to propose two hours free parking in all car parks on Saturdays in December,’ he said.

‘ This will be first trading Christmas since the by-pass opened and that has taken 6,600 cars out of the town,’ he added.

Cllr Byrne went on to comment: ‘People have said to me that chose not to shop here because of the difficulty with traffic, but I hope that problem is now gone and if you can park for free that should help as well.’

Cllr Jackser Owens then seconded Cllr Byrne’s proposal.