In an effort to generate more activity for Athlone’s retailers, restaurants, hotels and pubs, Westmeath County Council, supported by Athlone Chamber of Commerce, is providing all-day, free parking in six town centre car parks for a full week, from Saturday, December 16 to Saturday, December 23.
Free parking will be available at the following car-parks, namely the Fair Green, St Marys Square, The Strand, Connaught Street, Athlone Castle and O’Connell Street. However, you will still be required to pay for parking at privately owned facilities and along ‘on-street’ pay zones.
The week-long initiative was proposed once again this year by Cllr Aengus O’Rourke.
“This is a positive initiative, and it is a considerable investment by the council. The local authority will forego significant car-parking revenue in the run-up to Christmas. However, I believe this is a good time of the year for the council to further support Athlone’s businesses and I hope that the waiving of car parking fees and increased traffic management in the town, will make shopping locally considerably more attractive in the Athlone region and those visiting our town.
“I would also urge local businesses to offer further incentives to shoppers such as discounts or savings to match the council’s initiative and ensure Christmas shoppers get excellent value in Athlone this festive season,” Cllr O’Rourke said.
His thoughts were echoed by Athlone Chamber of Commerce president, Alan Shaw, who noted that the annual initiative is a welcome boost to local business trade.
“Athlone Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be associated with the free car parking initiative once again. This will give a boost to our members in retail who will benefit from increased shoppers and visitors to the town during Christmas week. We wish to thank Cllr O’Rourke and Westmeath County Council for providing the necessary funding to enable this initiative. We also wish to use this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year,” Mr Shaw stated.
