Elected members of Athlone Moate Municipal District have unanimously approved a plan to provide free Christmas parking in all car parks operated by the local authority from December 17 to 24 inclusive.
It is hoped that move will generate much economic activity for the town’s retail and hospitality trade in the week prior to Christmas Day.
Addressing the sitting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, District Manager, Jackie Finney, noted details of the initiative, stating that the measure would attract shoppers to Athlone from the surrounding Midlands region and beyond in the busy retail week prior to Christmas Day.
“It is a measure which we, as a council, operate at this particular time of year annually,” Ms Finney stated.
The free car park initiative received full support by the elected representatives present, Cllr Frankie Keena, noting the measure to be timely as it would greatly benefit those intending to visit the town’s Christmas Market which will take place from December 15-18 inclusive.
The free parking concession will be available in the local authority’s car parks at the following six locations - The Fair Green, St Mary’s Square, The Strand, Connaught Street, Athlone Castle, and O’Connell Street.
Motorists are reminded that free car parking will not apply to privately owned facilities, solely those operated by the local authority.
