Two-thirds don’t pay into Church funds
February 1992
The failure of two-thirds of parishioners to contribute financially to the cost of the upkeep of Rowe Street Church in Wexford is the chief reason behind the controversial decision to introduce pay parking there, it was revealed this week.
Businesswoman Rita Doyle, a member of the parish council, said the Church is in ‘dire need of money’ and the parking proposal was a regretful but necessary step.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce President was responding to a raft of criticisms levelled at the parish committee by members of Wexford Corporation at a traffic management meeting on Monday night.
‘Regretfully, the Church really needs to do this for finance,’ she said. ‘Less than one third of people in the parish are contributing financially to the Church.’
Cllr Peter Roche had led the criticism at Monday night’s meeting, saying there is widespread concern about the plan, and people are especially worried that they will have to pay for parking during funerals, weddings, and christenings.
Wexford Corporation previously made an annual payment to the Church to enable the grounds there to be used for free parking. A condition of the agreement though was that either side could end it with six months’ notice. Ald. Dominic Kiernan pointed out that this was what the Church had done, that they were entitled to do so, and that there was nothing the Corporation could do about it.
Traffic committee member Terry Clare asked if the Corporation could provide alternative free parking facilities for the people who currently use Rowe Street, many of whom are workers in the town.
Town Clerk Don Curtin replied that the free parking at nearby Bride Street Church would remain but there were currently no plans to open any additional free parking spaces.
Rita Doyle stressed that the pay parking arrangements would not affect funerals because they will not come into force until 10.30 a.m. each day. She added that a section of the car park will be designated for corporate use, with local businesses paying towards the maintenance of the church, in return for parking spaces.