Senator Gabrielle McFadden has called for improved parking facilities for Gardaí in Athlone. Speaking at the Westmeath Joint Policing Committee, the Athlone based Senator queried plans for parking for members of the force.
“While commending progress on the new Garda station, I raised the related issue of parking on foot of representations that I have received from businesses and residents of the west side of Athlone.
“Currently, Gardaí are having to park in the Barrack Street and Pearse Street areas, taking up spaces in front of businesses. This is unsatisfactory for the Gardaí involved and is inconvenient for the businesses, as it leaves less parking available for customers. We are currently looking at ways to rejuvenate the west side and anything that makes it easier for tourists and customers would be welcome.
“I was assured by Superintendent Cummins at the Joint Policing Committee that the Gardaí were actively aware of the issue and that they have made new arrangements with the Office of Public Works to reduce the problem in the short term and that sufficient parking was incorporated into the design for the new station.
Having been instrumental in securing the funding for that new station almost three years ago, I am delighted to see progress being made, but we also need an interim solution that would free up more parking for customers and tourists alike.”
