Council suspends Mallow pay-parking until September
MALLOW has fallen in line with other town across the county after local county councillors unanimously agreed a proposal to suspend its pay-parking regime until September.
The initiative has being taken under the auspices of the council’s ‘Project ACT’ town activation programme, in order to support local businesses over the coming weeks and months while the town reopens and gets back on its feet following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
The move comes following a recent call by Cllr Gearóid Murphy (FF) to introduce the measure for three-months in a bid to encourage shoppers back into the town as businesses begin to open their doors once again.
The measure will apply to all on-street pay parking and council operated car-parks in the town and will run from this week throughout June, July and August.
However, it should be pointed out that maximum times limits and other restrictions will remain in place as normal.
Welcoming the move Cllr Murphy said he hope it would “give the local economy a much needed boost after enduring month of hardship.”
“It is, of course, only one part of what needs to be done to support businesses in Mallow. However, it is an important one in terms of attracting people into the town and sending out the message that Mallow is once again open for business,” said Cllr Murphy.
“I would like to acknowledge the work done by my fellow councillors, County Council officials, Mallow Chamber and other stakeholders in advocating for this change and bringing this about,” he added.
Cllr Murphy suggested the council use the three-month period to train in the new inhouse traffic wardens that have been taken on following the cancellation its contract with APCOA.
“Now is the ideal time to transition to the new system of parking being administered directly by the council. The new traffic wardens will also act as litter wardens and general ambassadors for the town and I look forward to seeing them on the ground as soon as possible”, he said.
Meanwhile, senior council executive officer Mary Hayes said it was anticipated the new wardens would be seen on the streets of the town within a matter of weeks.
“Part of their role will also be to control the traffic flow so there will be a regular turnover of spaces. We do not want business owners or anyone else parking up outside shops and staying for the day and not having a turnover of spaces for business,” said Ms Hayes.
“This is an issue that has been raised in other municipal districts and it is important that the message gets out there to people,” she added.