Longford parking charge rise 'will have a detrimental effect on retailers'

A proposed paid parking charge rise to help fund the Longford Municipal District Footpath Programme in addition to other future upgrade programmes is set to proceed.

The elected representatives were informed that Longford, when compared to Mullingar, Athlone and other places, had ‘the most generous parking regime’.

All-day parking in the town will rise from €2 to €3 and there will be parking permits for carers and free parking for residents over 65.

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The increased parking charges will provide certainty in relation to long-term funding and the cost to upgrade the meters is €89,000 for ten meters.

Cllr Martin Monaghan was critical of the charge increase.

“As a small retailer, this will have a detrimental effect on retailers. We need more time. €300 per year is a lot for those on minimum wage. I’m not in favour of the charges.”

Cllr Kevin Hussey shared the reaction. “I couldn’t put my name to that. This increase is a lot of money.”

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Cllr Seamus Butler commented: “We need to look at security and reassurance. Women on their own are too scared to park alone off-street. We need one more traffic warden and instigate a liaison with the traffic organisation with the Garda. We want to get them on-side. Parking grace periods should also be advertised.”

Cllr Gerry Hagan supported the parking increase as he considered the footpath programme to be a fine proposal. He felt that local businesses will not close down, a view which was backed by Cllr Peggy Nolan.

Both insisted on the necessity of the footpath programme.

Cathaoirleach Uruemu Adejinmi was also in favour of the new charges.