Parking in Tullamore during major GAA matches 'a serious public safety hazard'

A READER of the Tullamore Tribune has claimed that parking in Tullamore during major Gaa mathces at O'Connor Park hs become a serious public safety hazard.

In a letter to the Editor, he says he witnessed cars abandoned on junctions and blocking footpaths entirely on Sunday afternoon last during the Meath versus Westmeath senior football encounter.

The letter reads as follows.

Dear Sir,

The parking situation in Tullamore during matches at O’Connor Park has moved beyond a mere nuisance—it has become a serious public safety hazard.

Walking through town during Sunday's match, I witnessed cars abandoned on junctions and blocking footpaths entirely. For anyone in a wheelchair or pushing a buggy, the town became an obstacle course that forced them out into the middle of the road.

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Most disappointing was the response from the authorities. When asked to intervene regarding the most dangerous obstructions, the response was essentially that there were "too many cars" to bother with enforcement.

If our law enforcement and local council believe that "everyone does it" is a valid reason to ignore illegal and dangerous parking, then what is the point of having parking laws at all?

If the Council wardens do not work Sundays, their schedules must be adjusted for match days. If the Gardaí feel it’s a Council matter, then the Council needs to step up. We shouldn’t have to wait for a serious accident before someone decides to start issuing tickets.

It’s time to stop making excuses and start making our streets safe again.

Yours, etc.

Name and address with Editor

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