Not everybody wants free parking in this Kildare town over Christmas and New Year
There were strong differences of opinion about whether there should be free car parking in Naas at Christmas.
No charges will apply for car parking at Kildare County Council operated car parks in Naas between December 18 and ending on Friday January 3. This followed a vote among local councillors after officials advised against the move.
The car parks are located at Abbey Street, New Row, Fairgreen and Hederman’s, off Friary Road.
This follows a decision by Naas area councillors who voted 6-1 with Mayor Fintan Brett opposing the move, at a municipal district meeting.
The proposal was put forward by Fianna Fáil councillor Carmel Kelly, who said it was needed for people in areas such as Eadestown, Sallins and Ballymore Eustace who would be encouraged to come to Naas to shop if parking was free.
Cllr Kelly said that while Local Link provides a good public transport service, better transport links are needed with outlying areas and until this happens there will be pressure for concessions like free parking.
“We’re trying to encourage everybody to come into Naas; it’s about giving back,” she said.
Cllr Seamie Moore supported the call saying he did not want to hear traders complaining that people can’t park in the town.
He was aware that it is likely to be abused but “we can only ask that people don't abuse it.”
In the longer term, added Cllr Moore, a park and ride system is needed to encourage shoppers to Naas.
Also in support was Cllr Bill Clear who said a town bus service is needed to service the Naas area alone.
Cllr Anne Breen said: "If we don’t shop local, we don't have a town.”
Cllr Evie Sammon rejected opposition on the basis that the proposal runs counter to climate action policies and said an orbital bus route is needed. She said thinking surrounding how climate change can be tackled and the needs of commuters met is “flawed.”
However, Cllr Brett said people will use free parking and “take the bus to Dublin.”
He said the cost of parking is a nominal amount.
“We’re allowing people to park all day,” he said, adding that pay parking means that there is constant turnover of visitors to Naas.
KCC official Mark McLoughlin said the council seeks to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport and the regulation of parking during the Christmas period encourages a greater turnover of parking spaces and maximises usage during this busy period. He also said there would be a loss of pay parking income.
He said KCC is implementing national policy, adding ”it’s not about money it’s about encouraging people to shop and move on.” He said allowing people to park all day will not help businesses.
Mr McLoughlin said that it will also be a challenge to change notices on pay parking machines in time.