Council approves parking pilot to enhance Town Centre activity

Council approves parking pilot to enhance Town Centre activity

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Carlow County Council has today (23rd September 2016) announced a pilot scheme approved by the the Mayor and Elected Members of the Municipal District of Carlow that will come into effect from 1st October and which will see free 30 minute parking on 5 streets in Carlow Town for a 4 month trial period.

Carlow County Council over the past number of years has introduced a variety of schemes which are aimed to support the business community and enhance the customer experience in Carlow Town Centre and this trial period follows a call by Carlow County Council for public submissions, earlier this year, regarding the issue of parking in Carlow Town and its effect on commercial activity. The areas selected for the scheme are Tullow Street Upper and Tullow Street Lower (after 10.30 a.m.), Dublin Street, Kennedy Avenue, Potato Market & Castle Street.  The scheme does not extend to public car parks.

Commenting on the decision of the Municipal District Council, Bernie O’Brien – Director of Services said “We in Carlow County Council have acknowledged that in order to effectively re-energize business on Carlow’s historic streets that all the stakeholders  must work together to effectively come up with solutions which make an impact that can be measured from an economic, social and cultural viewpoint”.  Bernie also said that “in order for this trial period to be effectively evaluated it will require a significant measurement in terms of impact and we would encourage all commercial premises to monitor the effect of same over the coming months”.

Dan McInerney – Deputy Chief Executive also commented on the decision of the Mayor and Elected Members of the Municipal District of Carlow to trial the free parking incentives”.  Dan said “We would encourage all visitors to Carlow to avail of the many free parking facilities in the town and to show their support for local businesses.” He further commented that “We in the Council are committed to the development of our business community and we will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce and business interests to reach this common goal”.

Welcoming the scheme, Mayor of the Municipal District of Carlow, Cllr Fintan Phelan said: “The introduction of this free parking scheme will be very much welcomed by both local retailers and the public alike”. The Mayor continued to say “he is urging shoppers throughout Carlow to “buy local”, declaring that by supporting local businesses they are “helping to sustain employment within the community”.