Free parking proposal gets thumbs down from council

Cllr O’Brien was supported by the majority of his fellow Lucan councillors, but the idea was given short shrift by the local authority, who said it would be “unfair to the rest of the county.”

A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “It is not proposed to suspend the parking charges in Lucan as requested. This measure would be unfair in relation to the remainder of the county.

In addition, there are contracts in place which cannot be suspended (Parking Enforcement, Cash Collection).”

Cllr O’Brien disagrees with the response given by the council manager, saying the “positives outweigh the negatives.”

Cllr O’Brien said: “I disagree with the idea that it is unfair to the rest of the county. Areas like Rathfarnham are free to make their own application.

“A number of businesses had contacted me to see if something could be done to encourage footfall.

“Areas like Fingal County Council have dispensed with parking charges for December. You can get free parking at Liffey Valley and The Square.

“I thought anything that could make a small improvement for retailers in the village. In the run-up to Christmas, some retailers will do half their of their yearly takings.”

Pay-parking was introduced into Lucan village a number of years ago.

As a solicitor who runs his own practice office in Lucan Village, Cllr O’Brien does not feel the free parking would lead to cars being parked there all day.

“Fewer people are coming into the village now with paid parking,” said Cllr O’Brien.

“That was something I was conscious of. Outside my office, there are always spots available.”

 

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