‘All-day’ parking in Ballyjamesduff becoming an issue

Thomas Lyons

Published: Tue 10 May 2022, 5:18 PM

Last updated: Wed 11 May 2022, 9:47 AM

Consultation with businesses and residents in Ballyjamesduff is the first step in addressing parking issues in the town. The matter was raised in a notice of motion at the April meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach of the MD, Trevor Smith, said that all day parking was becoming an issue in Ballyjamesduff. His motion focused specifically on the town’s Dublin Street. Cllr Smith said the problem posed particular difficulty for businesses in the town.

“Rate payers have asked that I bring this to the attention of the MD,” Cllr Smith told members. “The people parking on Dublin Street who are going to work are not doing anything wrong. Some are meeting colleagues and getting a lift or taking public transport, but we need parking spaces outside the shops.”

Cllr Smith asked the executive what could be done to address the problem. Cllr Shane P O’Reilly added his voice to the matter. He said the issue had been one of concern in Virginia for many years. Cllr O’Reilly said the provision of a parking area at Whitegate did alleviate some of the issues.

The independent councillor said communication was one of the key tools to address the problem: “It’s a carrot and stick approach that needs to be taken, rather than a hammer.”

Cllr TP O’Reilly added that it was important to address the issue “to keep business going forward”.

Area engineer John McGahern, explained: “As you are aware there are no parking bye laws in Ballyjamesduff and I’m not entirely sure they are appropriate either. The last time this issue arose, we consulted with businesses and put text on the road to denote spaces for short-term parking. We can extend that.

“We are relying on the goodwill of people parking at 5am. This is the right first step. In Virginia, the off street parking has been a roaring success. It frees up parking on Main Street for those who are coming in to go to shops or other services.”

Mr McGahern said engaging with the community was the next step to address the matter.