Details of free car parking days in Mullingar confirmed
The importance of supporting local retailers in the run-up to Christmas was stressed at the October meeting of the Kinnegad Mullingar Municipal District.
Westmeath County Council gave details to members of the days in which free parking will be available in the county town to boost business over the next two months.
In recognition of the importance of the Christmas season for the retail, hospitality and general business sectors of Mullingar the members of the Mullingar Kinnegad MD agreed to provide free off street parking in council car parks for a number of days.
No charge
This year there will be no charge in council car parks for the following days: Friday November 28, Saturday December 6, Friday December 12, Saturday December 13, Friday December 19, Saturday December 20, Monday December 22, Tuesday December 23.
It was also agreed, in conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce, that Saturday December 6 and Monday December 22 will have free off street parking.
On street parking will operate as normal during those times to enable traffic flow and short-term business needs are not affected.
The car parks included are: Blackhall car park, Friars Mill Road (ESB Yard) car park, McCurtain Street car park, McCurtain Street car park (Street Joseph’s Cottages), Friars Mill Road car park (opposite Buckley’s), Fire Station car park, Austin Friars Street car park, Fairgreen car park, Church Ave car park.
In addition, Lynnbury car park (at the rear of County Buildings) is open for free parking every weekend.
Cllr Emily Wallace said the initiative highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, but said the public are a more important part of ensuring a vibrant town centre.
“It’s great to see the car parks full, but people are not necessarily buying from local businesses,” Cllr Wallace said. “Yes, they are getting the big grocery shops, but it’s vital they support all the other businesses in the town at this time of year. People will come in and enjoy the buzz and atmosphere in Mullingar, but that only comes when we support local retailers.”
Cllr Wallace said the October to November window was a crucial time for local businesses and said she hoped they will be supported.