Free Christmas parking in west Mayo town

FREE all day parking will be available in Westport this Christmas.

Mayo County Council wanted to run a blanket free parking promotion in public car parks across the county, with free parking from 2 p.m. onwards.

However, Councillor Peter Flynn, at a municipal meeting, said in Westport they wanted to see similar arrangements to other years where parking is free during trading hours.

He did ask if they should consider free parking for an hour or two so people can go and shop, rather than parking up for the whole day. A number of people had mentioned to him about people parking long-term rather than shopping.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley felt alot of people would come to town early to shop and under the council's proposal they would be charged.

It was also noted that the James Street car park is free until 11 a.m. Then you would have a situation where you had to pay for three hours, with it going back to being free from 2 p.m.

Councillor Brendan Mulroy said they should be free, like they do every year, with Councillor Flynn suggesting they be free all day, with maybe a two-hour limit. Management was asked if the technology was there to deliver two-hour free parking slots.

Members were told the council had hoped to send out a consistent message of free parking from 2 p.m. across the county, but the decision was one for councillors.

Councillor Mulroy said they had to do their best to support the shopkeepers and he also commented on the 'feel good factor' for people coming into town.

Councillor Chris Maxwell used the opportunity to urge people to shop local and support businesses in all the local towns, from Louisburgh to Newport and Achill.