Published: Wednesday, 12th May, 2010 5:00pm

Parking charges set to double in Cavan

by Michael Cryan

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Parking charges in some areas of Cavan town could double under new parking bye-laws proposed by Cavan Town Council. As part of the plans, the local authority is also planning to extend the area of the town covered by metered parking zones. The council says it is taking this measure to halt the practice of people parking in certain locations without charge and inhibiting local residents from parking their vehicles at their homes.

The town council is also considering an increase in parking charges from 40 cent per hour to 80 cent for off-street parking in areas such as the Bridge Street, Eggmarket and Tesco carparks. The fee for on street parking is set to go from 60 cent to €1 per hour. A charge of 20 cent for 20 minutes in all areas is also being proposed to accommodate shorter parking periods.

Motorists will also be urged to make use of the multi-story park in the centre of the town where it costs only €2 per day to park there. Revenue for parking generates an estimated €750,000 for the town council annually.

At the May meeting of Cavan Town Council, members expressed concern that introducing such measures would only push motorists to park further out of the town when they were trying to attract people into it. Alan Lyons, town engineer, said it was proposed to install 15 new parking spaces on the Cathedral Road just past the John Sullivan Home as well as a parking meter. Fairhill will also see paid parking, as well as double yellow lines in a bid to curb all day parking by non residents. Mr. Lyons said residents can buy parking permits at a proposed new cost of €50 per annum.

Twelve temporary car parking spaces will be created at St. Aiden's Terrace close to the Social Welfare office once four old units are demolished. New double yellow lines will be put down beside Richmond's old house.It was also suggested by the members that the present location of the bus stop at Lough View Terrace be moved further out the Dublin Road to the McIntyre side of the junction and a bus shelter be installed.

The town engineer also proposed to extend paid parking from the Bridge Street car-park to River Street as well as introduce new double yellow lines in Bridge Street car-park.

Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly suggested that some paid parking spaces be created between St. Phelim's Place and Lurganboy. He also called for another pedestrian crossing close to the Cathedral.

Mr. Lyons said he was conscious of any effect on traffic flow and he didn't want it backing up along that street. "Another pedestrian crossing may have a negative influence on traffic flow." He agreed to install four new signs to highlight the existing pedestrian crossing on the street.

Town Clerk, Brian Hora, informed the members that they were also looking at increasing parking charges and parking permits. "It is proposed to increase the parking permits from €20 per annum to €50, as well as the on and off-street parking mentioned."

He also told the meeting that the taxi drivers wish to make the taxi rank on Main Street a 24/7 rank and do away with the three-parking bay in the Main Street car park.

Town Manager, Ger Finn, agreed with the members that he didn't think the 20 cent for 20 minutes would be enforceable. He also informed the meeting that clergy were looking at creating a new car park to the rear of the Cathedral.

It was also agreed by the members that better use be made of the multi-story car-park and motorists should be encouraged to use it more frequently.