New parking by-laws near public consultation

A planned overhaul of parking regulations in Cavan Town is now at an advanced stage, with only legal review now taking place before a draft is published for public consultation before year end.

Aontú Councillor Adrian Rogers sought an update at the September monthly meeting of Cavan County Council, amid concerns over congestion, short-term parking and access for local businesses, specifically in Bailieborough.

The existing Cavan County Council Parking Control Bye-laws govern pay-and-display areas, parking time limits and permit systems across the county. A first draft of revised regulations was being prepared back in 2025, with consultation originally expected in early 2026.

Director of Services Paddy Connaughton informed elected members the review is now at a “well advanced stage”, but acknowledged the process had taken longer than anticipated due to the procedural work involved.

He said the council would deal with Cavan Town first, and new parking regulations for other large towns around the county will follow thereafter.

Cllr Rogers highlighted the need for improved parking controls in Bailieborough, particularly following the opening of the new Garda station in the town centre.

Mr Connaughton said the council did not intend to impose a blanket county-wide system, with individual towns instead requiring by-laws tailored to their circumstances and potential future development.

This would be particularly important where major infrastructure projects are planned. In Bailieborough, this includes a major town centre reimagining for which €792,000 has already been awarded through the Rural Development Fund. Also taken into account is works at the Market Street junction, designs for which are currently with National Transport Authority.

Planned public realm improvements in Kingscourt, along with Active Travel and improvement works on Station Road, Cootehill, also have to be considered.

Once the Cavan Town draft is published, there will be a six-week public consultation, followed by consideration of submissions. Mr Connaughton expects the by-laws to be ready for implemention in 2027.

* This article has been published with support from the Local Democracy Scheme