Longford parking charge hikes labelled an 'absolute disgrace' for rural residents

The plan to increase Longford town parking fees to help fund the costs of repairing and upgrading footpaths has been labelled ‘an absolute disgrace’.

Independent Cllr Mark Casey made the comments at the July meeting of Longford County Council during a discussion on the consideration of approval of loan funding of €2,000,000 to help fund the three year Footpath Programme 2025 - 2027.

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The plan to hike parking charges was debated and voted on by Longford Municipal District members and Lanesboro based Cllr Casey hit out at the negative impact the increased charges will have on businesses in the county town.

He remarked, “Speaking to people from outside of town, the price of parking is ridiculous. It’s an absolute disgrace for the people who come to shop from outside Longford.”

Arguing that the changes make it ‘impossible for rural people’, an annoyed Cllr Casey said the proposed parking increase will affect businesses and ‘wasn’t giving them a fair chance’.

Fine Gael’s Cllr Gerry Hagan reiterated his support for the increase, having previously voted in favour of them at the Longford MD July meeting to help fund the Footpath Programme, which he believes to be important for the community.

Cllr Hagan commented, “50 cent won’t be a game changer. We have affordable, off-street parking. €2 all day is very cheap. Dublin is €30 per day. This increase in parking fees will help develop our footpaths.”

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Kevin Hussey, who voted against the proposed fee hike at the Longford MD meeting, once again expressed his disapproval of the decision.

“To comment on what Cllr Casey said, I didn’t support it (parking fee increase). I thought we could come up with the money another way.”

Fine Gael’s Cllr Peggy Nolan provided a passionate explanation over why the decision was made. Listing award winning shops like Fabiani and Aine’s as reasons why Longford has the “finest retailers in the midlands,” she reasserted that people will still want to come to Longford.

Cllr Nolan said that those who cannot use the footpaths due to their current conditions should be prioritised.

Her party colleague, Cllr Paul Ross agreed with her, saying that St Christopher’s Services are also affected.

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After Cllr Casey asked where the money over twenty years of paid parking had gone to? Cllr Nolan replied and suggested the repayment of loans.

At the end of the discussion, it was outlined that all money from the increase would be put towards good causes, such as community groups and the footpaths.