A final decision is to be made on a new set of parking bylaws for Mullingar at next Monday’s meeting of Westmeath County Council.
The draft bylaws were examined by a meeting of Mullingar area councillors last Monday. They include the introduction of a €1 per day charge at the fire station car park; a change from all-day to two-hour parking at the Fairgreen/Penneys carpark and the old ESB carpark; and the introduction of two-hour maximum parking at Bellview Road, Auburn Road, and Millmount Avenue, which are curently free.
Fianna Fáil members fought unsuccessfully on Monday against the introduction of paid parking at the fire station, and their suggestion that a two-hour maximum stay be introduced on main streets was also defeated.
However, a suggestion by Cllrs Ken Glynn and Aidan Davitt that a 15-minute grace period be introduced was taken on board.
Speaking after Monday’s meeting, Cllr Glynn said he was disappointed that his party’s suggestions had been defeated by six to three votes.
“We sought a 15-minute grace period, and we had a further amendment to keep street parking to a two-hour maximum. We got the 15-minute grace period but didn’t get the two-hour concession.
“There was no way we were supporting the introduction of a charge at the fire station, as this parking had been set up for employees,” he said.
“No one is critical of paid parking, but we in Fianna Fáil felt that some support was needed for businesses.”
A decision will be made at Monday’s meeting of the full council.
