Free parking in Naas this Christmas
Photo for illustrative purposes only
THERE will be free parking in council carparks in Naas this Christmas Pay despite the council's executive “strongly urging” against such a move.
Shoppers and other car park users will not have to pay for parking in car parks owned and operated by Kildare County Council from Monday 15 December until and including New Year’s Eve, after a motion brought forward by cllrs Carmel Kelly and Evie Sammon was passed at the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District.
The carparks are located on New Row, Hedermans, Fairgreen car park and Abbey Street.
Cllr Kelly argued that the suspension of pay parking would help in encouraging people to shop locally, and that pay parking at Christmas was unjustifiable considering the lack of a fully integrated public transport system in the area.
Cllr Sammon was of the view that businesses on the main street in Naas were competing with out-of-town businesses for Christmas footfall, and that free parking would help businesses in the centre of Naas.
Cllrs Brett and Anne Breen both expressed their view that free parking would allow users to abuse the system and hold up parking.
Cllr Brett believed that people socialising would leave their cars parked up at night, only collecting them sometime the following day.
The prospect of people jetting out of Dublin Airport using Hederman’s car park for long stay parking was also raised.
Cllr Breen was of the view that the €3 parking fee was very little for parking in a place such as Naas.
Kildare County Council officials were clear in their opposition to the motion.
The council said that there was no evidence that free parking would help local businesses and that pay parking is implemented with the objective of ensuring “a turnover of parking spaces to enhance business and customer experiences” and that it “prevents all-day parking by commuting motorists who travel outside the county to work”. Loss of income was also mentioned.
The council stated that the suspension would be contrary to the Kildare Climate Action Plan as well as being “in contravention of the National Sustainability Mobility Policy” and the move towards more sustainable modes of transport.
Cathaoirleach of Naas Municipal District Seamie Moore supported the motion but added his hope the free parking would not be abused.
The vote carried five to two, with cllrs Bill Clear, Ger Dunne and Seamie Moore supporting their colleagues’ motion.
Illegal parking will continue to be enforced as normal in all car parks. Standard parking fees will remain at all other locations.
Parking is a topic of concern around the county at this time of year. Several towns across the country including Castlebar, Tralee and Newry have introduced free parking for the festive season.
