Limerick stores back discount parking plan

LIMERICK city centre retailers have come together to fight the recession with a discount parking initiative launched yesterday.

A total of 50 local businesses have joined forces as part of a “Buy up the City” campaign, which will introduce discount parking alongside big prizes.

Limerick City Council, in association with Park Magic, are offering shoppers parking for just 10 cent an hour on Saturdays.

Consumers will be offered chance to win prizes worth €10,000.

Shoppers will receive coupons with their purchases and when they receive three coupons they will be eligible for a draw at the end of the month-long event, which runs until May 3.

Project co-ordinator Louise Fitzgerald said: “Limerick City Council in association with Park Magic have made several gestures to the Buy up the City campaign and existing Park Magic customers will be able to park for ten cent an hour every Saturday.”

She said there has already been a fantastic response to the campaign.

City centre retailers said business has been badly affected by suburban shopping malls, which offer free car parking.

One shop owner said: “I know I have lost customers to the shopping centres. If a person comes into the city centre and gets slapped with a parking ticket which costs €40 in a fine, it just sours them off.

“Many people from outlying areas are not just coming into town any more and know they wont end up with a parking ticket if they shop in the shopping centres with free car park facilities.

“Now we are doing something about the problem with the Buy up the City initiative. As they say it’s better to light a candle rather than curse the dark,” the shop owner added.