Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council defends parking changes despite U-turn

A motion to amend parking measures introduced in Kilkenny City last January was passed unanimously by city councillors at Friday's meeting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District.

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Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler confirmed it would take approximately one month for the changes to take effect and offered clarification on why the original actions were taken when addressing councillor's after the vote.

"Everything we do, we try and do for the betterment of Kilkenny. The arrangements came after workshops held last year," Mr Butler said, adding, such actions wouldn't be taken to the detriment of the city.

The council official claimed prior to January's alterations, parking arrangements were being 'widely abused'.

As part of the motion, areas where commuters' who work in the city have had their daily parking charges increased by 150% from €2 to €5 (e.g. Fairgreen) will see the increase reduced to a 50% increase at €3 per day.

"We should be looking to be like other cities. If it's (parking spots) used solely for commuters, it will make it difficult for customers. Limiting it to two hours increases use for customers," he stated.

Reacting to the return of 15 minute free parking, Mr Butler commented: "I've been told by some 15 minutes is plenty of time," but accepted there is a social aspect to the issue.