Calls for review of parking permit system in Mullingar as numbers waiting grow

Cllr Emily Wallace has called for a review of how parking permits are allocated in Mullingar after raising concerns on behalf of business owners who say they are being denied permits despite paying commercial rates.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Mullingar–Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Wallace said she had been approached by several business owners who were unable to secure permits because the annual quota had already been filled.

She questioned how often the system is reviewed and whether new business owners or employees are being given fair access.

“I’ve had a number of local business owners make applications, they’re working within the town environs and are being denied parking permits… just that there is no longer availability, that the quota for the year is full and they can’t see that changing,” she said. “How is a permit issued, who is it issued to, what purposes is it issued for – do business owners or their employees have equal opportunity to avail?”

Figures presented to councillors showed that there are currently 288 permit holders in Mullingar, split between 154 resident permits and 134 employee permits.

Municipal District official Mary Goldsberry confirmed that waiting lists are in place, and 51 applicants are waiting for employee permits in Blackhall and 31 for McCurtain

Street.

Permit holders are contacted annually to confirm renewal, Ms Goldsberry explained, and only one person gave up a permit in the last year. Applicants for employee permits are required to submit letters from their employers to confirm eligibility.

While acknowledging the pressure on spaces, Ms Goldsberry said the system is under review and would form part of the district’s 2026 work programme.

Director of services Deirdre Reilly said a wider parking strategy for Mullingar was being developed, including the possibility of directing motorists to underused car parks such as those at the fire station and on the Delvin Road.

“Although there’s 51 people looking for parking spaces in Blackhall, maybe we could give parking spaces at alternative locations to those people that might be happy enough,” she said. “It’s a whole system that we want to review… a real effort is going to happen in 2026.”

Cllr Wallace welcomed the update but urged that business representatives be consulted as part of the review. “It’s very important that the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association within the town are asked to help,” she said.