Parking reaches a critical mass in Mayo county town ahead of Christmas

by Conor Curran

Public car parks in Castlebar, including the ones at Castle Street and Market Square in the town centre, are seldom found with ease.

This creates huge problems for shoppers and workers alike.

While the town is no stranger to limited parking, the closing of a section of Market Square Car Park has exacerbated the issue even more.

With the potential re-introduction of a free parking scheme in these car parks during Christmas, like we’ve seen in previous years, this issue is set to get worse.

Speaking at a Castlebar Municipal District meeting in September, Councillor Ger Deere shared his concerns.

He is worried that full car parks would deter residents and tourists from spending their money in local shops.

The idea of 10-minute parking bays, as well as an increase in ticket prices, were suggested as solutions to the ever-growing issues.

Regardless, with no solutions in place at the minute, those hoping to park in the town are forced to add fifteen minutes of playing musical chairs to their commute.