Portlaoise daily parkers unaware of discount rate
A Laois councillor says that Portlaoise daily parkers are not aware of a discount offered by Laois County Council.
The council offers a discount rate of just €10 a week, but they do not advertise it.
Cllr Thomasina Connell was surprised herself to hear of the cheaper rate.
"This is news to me," she said at the April meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, suggesting that they advertise the rate.
She had tabled a motion asking the council to give a discounted monthly rate for anyone parking in the council's long stay carparks.
In reply the council said that regular all-day parkers can get a rate of €2 a day, or €10 a week. They must pay in advance, in banks of three, six or 12 months.
Their carparks include 100 spaces at the council offices in the Civic Plaza and 67 spaces at the Church Street / Triogue Car Park.
The normal weekly rate is €2.40 a day or €12 a week for long stay parkers.
"This is the first I've heard of this. I know of people who pay €2.40 a day and don't know about this. I ask could you consider a monthly discount of €40, and could you put this on social media. It's too much to ask people to pay €120," Cllr Connell said.
The Director of Services for roads is Simon Walton.
"My understanding is you get a disk, paid for in advance. You can contact the roads department if you are a regular parker. There is an administration requirement. We have to consider that in offering one month," he said.
Cllr Barry Walsh had seconded her motion.
"I didn't know this either. It needs to be advertised," he said.