Related Stories

• Remembering the late Sr Aquin O’Riordan
  
  
• Fermoy’s Mini Mozarts in action
  
  
• First-rate facilities in Watergrasshill NS
  
  
• Fermoy Corpus Christi procession blessed with fine weather
  
  
• June 1994 – a look at Avondhu news headlines
  
  
• 20km speed limits proposed for housing estates in Limerick city and county
  
  
• Plenty takers for WEEE recycling collection in Fermoy
  
  
• Mass on the Galtees
  
  
• Close call in Macra rugby final for Fermoy
  
  
• Corpus Christi celebrated in Ballyhooly
  
  
• Jockey undertakes unique challenge
  
  
• ‘Wonderful pastime’ promoted on the Loobagh
  
  

Significant changes to the on-street pay parking structure have been approved by the Fermoy Municipal Authority this week. Photo: Eoin Scanlon

Significant changes to the on-street pay parking structure have been approved by the Fermoy Municipal Authority this week.

In the new changes, no parking charges will apply between the hours of 9-10am and 5-6pm, and a 30 minute period of free parking will apply prior to the purchase of a valid pay and display ticket.

The changes come, following months of debate on the issue by elected representatives, local businesses and members of the public. Councillors issued a broad welcome to the amendments at their June council meeting.

In the report, compiled by Municipal District Officer Pauline Moriarty, it stated that the implications of this free parking structure will be monitored from both an operational and financial point of view and a review will be carried out after 12 months.

It is expected that the new pay structure will be in operation by July 1st. There is no change to the free parking at Christmas time, nor to the pay structures in the town’s car parks, which cost €1 per day.

“The elected members agreed that it was important to portray Fermoy as a business friendly town and making these amendments will continue to this in a positive way,” the report concluded. The amendments were proposed by Cllr Noel McCarthy and seconded by Cllr Ian Doyle.

Commenting on the changes, Fermoy-based Cllr McCarthy said: “The important part of this is the 30 minutes grace to go get a ticket, that also gives you the opportunity to your one-stop shop, make a quick call to the grocery or get a prescription from the chemist, you have an opportunity to do so.

"This is a positive thing for Fermoy, and now the perception that Fermoy hasn’t got free parking is gone. And of course the car parks remain at a fantastic rate. There was nothing else on the table for us so we got the best deal possible for the town.”

Cllr Doyle, who seconded the proposal, added: “We’ve listened over the last number of years to the people and businesses in Fermoy and got their feelings on the matter. I think the decision we’ve made will send out a very positive message to the people of Fermoy and the people coming into Fermoy. It also must be emphasised that Fermoy has certainly the cheapest car parks in the country at €1 per day.”

Describing it as a move in the right direction, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said the Municipal Authority have come along way on the issue. "On-street parking in Fermoy has been a major priority for me and I welcome it wholeheartedly," he said.

“This is a move in the right direction, I fully agree we give it a trial-period and I also welcome the 30 minutes period that will be free at any time of the day,” he added.

Cllr Kay Dawson commented: “We’re open to people coming back to us, that’s why I think it’s important to have a review in 12 months. I certainly hope this sends out a positive message for Fermoy that it’s open for business. I also think it’s really important that we worked together on this and I hope this is a success.”

Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe complimented the Strategic Policy Committee in Cork County Council and the Fermoy Municipal Authority executive for their work in progressing the issue to this stage.

“Hopefully it works according to plan and that people take advantage of it to the benefit of Fermoy as a whole,” he said.

In welcoming the changes, Cllr June Murphy added: "It’s a very positive plan for the next 12 months and it can be reviewed, which I think is the most important thing, to sit back and analyse it to see has it been working and has it benefited the local community and economy.”

blog comments powered by Disqus