Parking charges irk mayors

Four mayors yesterday protested at what they described as “exhorbitant” parking charges at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee.

Seán O’Grady, Killarney mayor (Lab), Kerry mayor Terry O’Brien (Lab), Johnny Wall, Tralee mayor (FF) and Listowel mayor Tom Barry (SF) presented a letter of complaint to PJ Harnett, hospital general manager.

Mr O’Grady said there was growing dissatisfaction with the cost of parking at the biggest hospital in the county.

Parking is free for the first 20 minutes, with a €3 charge for the first hour, €5 for two hours and a maximum of €12 per day. There are reduced parking rates in hardship cases.

Mr O’Grady suggested a €3 charge for two-hour parking.

A HSE spokesperson, meanwhile, said there was significant demand on car parking at all hospitals and efficient management was crucial to ensure the availability of spaces and free traffic flow.