Plan for free parking in Tralee mooted
Following the large-scale development of out-of-town shopping facilities in recent years, trade in the town itself has suffered, with many premises closed.
At a meeting of Tralee Municipal District Authority, Fianna Fáil councillor Thomas McEllistrim proposed one-hour free parking time similar to what is in operation in Castleisland.
“Free parking would be an incentive to attract people to the town centre,’’ he said.
Authority manager Charlie O’Sullivan said free parking could be difficult to implement, but they would be prepared to look at it.
Parking charges were not brought in to generate funds and the idea was to regulate traffic and to get a turnover of parking spaces, he added.
“We’re always open to getting everyone’s views, but we must be practical as well in terms of how feasible it would be to bring in free parking, even for a limited amount of time,’’ Mr O’Sullivan stated.
He also said any reduction in revenue from parking could have an impact in terms of providing other infrastructure in Tralee.
Mr O’Sullivan told the meeting the issue would be considered as part of budget discussions shortly and it was also hoped to have some free parking in the run-up to Christmas.
Mayor Jim Finucane stressed the need for some type of incentive to attract people to the centre of Tralee and said officials were looking at a number of options.
The meeting also heard that the former Denny bacon factory site in Tralee town centre was currently being looked at with a view to redevelopment, possibly as a market and entertainment area
The 2.5-acre site was handed over to the now abolished Tralee Town Council earlier this year.
Plans are being drawn up for the site, but no timeframe has been set for work to take place
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