Business bid to boost trade with parking charge refunds

TRADERS in Clare are offering parking charge refunds in an initiative to boost businesses.

Kilrush Chamber of Commerce announced at the weekend that shoppers in the west Clare town would be able to avail of parking charge refunds from next Monday.

The parking refund scheme allows shoppers — who spend a specified amount in participating businesses — to either a €1 refund or a free parking scratch disc.

The scheme will apply to Kilrush Town Council’s dual system of pay parking, including scratch parking discs and street parking meters.

Up to 23 businesses will participate in the scheme.

“The objective of the scheme is to encourage customers to shop in Kilrush and enjoy a refund of their parking cost,” said Paul Coady, chamber of commerce president.

“The new parking refund scheme is another exciting and progressive development for the chamber and the people who shop in Kilrush.

“It is hoped that the scheme will encourage customers to continue to shop in the wide and growing choice of businesses in the town.”

Town mayor Tom Clyne said the initiative reflected the local traders’ active promotion of the town.

“It is marvellous to see the Kilrush Chamber and its members actively encouraging the people of west Clare to shop local, by offering this refund token for customers’ parking,” he said.

Town clerk Fiona Mooney praised the chamber for its enterprising initiative. However, she said parking bye-laws would remain in place between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Valid parking tickets or discs must also be displayed during those times, she added.

Under the scheme, shoppers who use the street meters must hand over the ticket counterfoil to participating businesses upon paying for purchases (minimum spend will apply). In return, they will receive a refund or free scratch disc. Similarly, shoppers who have a scratch disc will need to retain it and the receipt of purchase to hand over to the participating business on their next visit.