Blended method of parking payment called for

Proposed cashless parking for Fermoy has come under criticism this week as Cork County Council are being asked to consider those who may not be wellversed in technology.

A meeting of the Fermoy Municipal District last week revealed that the council are looking at doing a study into a county-wide option for cashless parking.

Elsewhere in the country, card payments and app payments are accepted payment methods in many public car parks.

Locally, calls have been made to have such measures introduced to Fermoy as the public moves towards a more cashless society following the

Covid-19 pandemic. ‘BLENDED MIX’ PREFERABLE

This week, local activist Joe Tobin spoke out against the potential move, asking if anyone considered those who may not have a mobile phone or may not be able to use such an app.

“Not everyone has the technology to do that. Before anything is considered, we need to look out for our vulnerable,” Mr Tobin said.

Mr Tobin also called for the study into the county-wide cashless parking to be made publicly available once complete.

“Of course, I welcome the new technology, but we also have to be cautious of this new technology. I’d recommend a blended mix of both the app and the coin machines,” Mr Tobin said.