Sinn Fein slam the removal of North Strand parking spots

SINN Fein councillors have slammed the decision to remove parking spaces from the North Strand, saying it was a ‘ kneejerk reaction’ by Louth County Council CEO Joan Martin following their recent parking motion.

Cllr Joanna Byrne said 32 spaces were reduced to 9 the day after her party’s motion to lower the cost of parking there from €3 to €2.50, in line with the Dublin Road.

‘I don’t understand how it was debated here at a meeting at 9pm, and the next day by 11am, yellow lines had been painted where the spaces used to be,’ she said angrily.

‘ There was absolutely no consultation, and I can’t understand how spaces and revenue removed when we are told there is not an adequate budget.’

In her absence, senior executive Willie Walsh said the CEO made the decision to approve the amenity of the public realm.

‘She did it to improve traffic flow and to widen the street to benefit the local residents,’ said Mr Walsh.

‘Lorries were having difficulties getting past the parked cars, and no spaces were removed for anyone living along the road.’