by Kathy Masterson
SHOPPERS in Limerick city centre could be able to enjoy free parking until 11am every day during the Christmas period under an initiative proposed by Limerick City Business Association and local Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell.
The proposal has been submitted to Limerick City and County Council chief executive Conn Murray and would extend from December 1 until January 5.
The initiative would also see loading bays being freed up for car parking after 11am, releasing up to an additional 110 on-street car parking spaces in the city centre.
The initiative is based on extensive research and the views of city centre traders.
“Our objective is to create a parking system for Limerick city centre which will benefit Limerick shoppers and businesses alike. In fact, we’re looking for a win-win-win for Limerick shoppers, traders and the local authorities. We believe this to be a potentially significant departure for the city centre,” said Deputy O’Donnell.
“The vast majority of traders with whom we met during the course of our research were very supportive of the proposal. Our initiative should see footfall increase and business boosted in the city centre.”
Deputy O’Donnell said the initiative would be “a shot in the arm” for the city centre, which could increase footfall and boost trade, while bringing a “sense of vibrancy” to the city centre.
He added that he is hopeful that the initiative will be passed by the local authority and that it will come into force this Christmas on a pilot basis.
“Our initiative is backed by Limerick traders, something that is crucial in ensuring its success. In fact, the support we encountered during our research was very strong and widespread.
“One of the most important aspects of any pilot parking initiative is the ease of implementation. This initiative is very straightforward to understand and to implement,” he said.
