Westmeath County Council has agreed to provide two free parking days in public car parks on the two Saturdays before Christmas, December 12 and 19.
The news was delivered by Fianna Fáil Councillor Aengus O’Rourke this week, who celebrated the decision for the opportunity it offers both shoppers and business people in the locality. Councillor O’Rourke said: “Shopping locally is extremely important so that our local retailers and traders can stay in business, continue to provide employment, and perhaps even grow their businesses going forward, therefore creating more jobs.
“In shopping locally, you won’t have to travel far or pay for parking. When we are lucky enough to have a town centre like we do in Athlone, you only need to park once and can find all you need within easy walking distance. When you spend money in local family-run businesses, it circulates locally. That money goes back into the community in rent, wages, taxes, and in many other ways, which helps keep our town and our community thriving.”
