A recent motion to save free 30 minute parking for Lucan, Rathcoole and Clondalkin, coupled with approval for an amendment against the introduction pay and display for Newcastle and Rathcoole is a win for residents and local businesses, a Dublin Mid-West TD has said. Fine Gael TD, Deputy Emer Higgins welcomed the decision by the Councillors to retain the free 30 minutes parking allowance and not to introduce Saturday paid parking in villages like Lucan. She said it will see residents and businesses being able to avail of facilities in local villages without having to pay and display.
“We’ve all gotten used to our free 30 minutes parking in villages like Lucan,” said Deputy Higgins. “So I’m delighted that Council management’s plan to scrap this benefit, which was first introduced by Fine Gael, was rejected by our local Councillors. Fine Gael proposed an amendment to their plan and our local Councillors voted to approve the Fine Gael changes which saved our 30 minutes free parking and prevented the introduction of pay and display in the villages of Saggart and Newcastle. “I have always been adamant that the free 30 minutes parking makes it easier for people to support their local business, something which businesses need now more than ever. So I’m delighted that the free 30 minutes which was introduced by Fine Gael, are here to stay.”
Cllr Shirley O’Hara led the local campaign against the introduction of pay and display parking for Saggart and Rathcoole. “Having campaigned on this issue for some time, I know that people in the local community were very against the idea of pay and display in Saggart and Rathcoole so I’m very pleased that we have been able to deliver on this issue for them. “The villages are the heart of the community and the introduction of pay and display would be a massive knock for businesses,” added Cllr O’Hara. “This is a victory for local residents and businesses alike,” concluded Cllr O’Hara.
