Parking plan to benefit Ballinasloe businesses

A prototype of a car parking disc that can be used by motorists in Ballinasloe town to avail of two hours free parking was presented to a meeting of the new Municipal Council.

It is a disc that can be used by motorists and offers them free parking for two hours – once Galway County Council agree to the proposal.

There are claims that town centre businesses in Ballinasloe are “dying on their feet” as a direct result of paid parking. It has been one of the most contentious issues during the term of Ballinasloe Town Council in recent years and now it is an issue for the new Ballinasloe Municipal Council.

But there were a lot of stunned faces when Cllr Michael Finnerty produced a clock with a two hour time gap for motorists who want to avail of a free parking system in the town. He believes that the two hour ‘free parking disc’ would have a huge positive impact for businesses in the town.

However, a proposal to review the paid parking system in Ballinasloe is to be sent forward to a roads and transportation committee within Galway County Council.

The matter was the subject of much debate at a meeting of the Municipal District where FG Cllr Michael Finnerty was advised that the issue must be dealt with at County Council level before bye-laws could be introduced.

He said the current system which sees those parking without a ticket receiving a fine is over-zealous and suggested allowing a period free of charge.

Sinn Fein Cllr Dermot Connolly said while the suggestion had merits, it would be difficult to police. He also suggested some form of concession for funeral or novena-goers.

Fine Gael Cllr Donal Burke said the free parking system currently in operation in Roscommon town worked well and suggested the possibility of introducing free parking in Ballinasloe on a Saturday.

Cathaoirleach Michael Connolly said it was a complex issue as many parking spaces were not adjacent to businesses.

Senior Engineer Evan Molloy referred to a study that showed there was a greater turnover of vehicles where charges were in operation, bringing more customers into towns.

Members were also advised that there are 165 free spaces in the town centre and that charges on the three streets concerned were retained at a minimal level, with 15 minute free parking allowance in five loading bays after 11.30am.