Business leaders call for scrapping of disc parking and 10% cut in rates to boost trade

BUSINESS leaders in Cork called last night for disc parking to be scrapped, for a 10% cut in commercial rates, and for a “free parking” initiative at weekends to boost city centre trade.

The Cork Business Association (CBA), which represents hundreds of city centre businesses, also called for a freeze on water and service charges as part of a raft of proposals designed to sustain and maintain jobs.

The proposals were outlined at the first meeting of its kind between the CBA and the city’s elected representatives last night. All 31 councillors were invited and just under half attended.