A Laois County Councillor is seeking more fairness and clarity for users of the County Council’s long-stay car parks.
Fine Gael Councillor, Thomasina Connell, called on the Portlaoise Municipal District to provide a discounted monthly parking rate but was surprised to learn that discount rates are already available.
“The long-stay parking rate in Portlaoise, 100 spaces at the Civic Plaza and 67 spaces at the Church Street/Triogue Car Park, is €2.40 per day,” said Director of Services, Simon Walton.
“Patrons paying daily, over a five-day working week, pay €12 per week. For regular all-day parkers, a rate of €2 per day for the working week is available – €10 per week.
“Parking at this discounted rate is payable in advance in banks of three months, six months, or 12 months,” he said.
Cllr Connell probed the matter further, saying it was the first she had heard of this.
Mr Walton said that “regular, all-day parkers can acquire parking discs by contacting the department and paying in advance, online”.
Cllr Connell continued the point that these parking options should be more clearly available and transparent, suggesting the plan be advertised on social media.
Mr Walton assured that there would be a concerned effort made to increase awareness of the discounted rates and how to avail of them.
Cllr Connell concluded by asking for a reduction in the terms people were being asked to pay for, saying “Can we not just offer parking for a month? €120 is a lot to pay; we just want some fairness.”
