Future of parking bye-laws in one Kildare region prompts in-depth discussion

The future of parking bye-laws in one South Kildare region prompted debate among councillors and members of Kildare County Council (KCC) at a recent meeting.

The matter came about in response to a motion which was submitted by Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 18 last.

At this meeting, Cllr O'Dwyer motioned for KCC to commence the process "to introduce bye-laws on Main Street, Kilcullen for the purpose of regularising parking".

Her motion was supported by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.

Speaking further about her request, Cllr O'Dwyer told those in attendance that while she would "normally encourage paid parking", she claimed that parking space in Kilcullen "is limited". 

"It would cost more to manage it," she said. "We already have a KCC warden [in Kilcullen] who is very effective, so why not use them?"

Cllr O'Dwyer further suggested: "In the short-term, a maximum stay [rule] would be more effective."

Cllr Pender also told those in attendance that he was of the view that paid parking should be considered, and jokingly added: "I know I'll probably be hung, drawn and quartered for saying that!"

Another local rep who supported the idea of paid parking was Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey, who asserted: "If you want to control parking, you have to get people to pay for it; it's as simple as that."

"If there is no charge, people might stay all day," he added.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, Fine Gael. File photograph

Responding to Cllr O'Dwyer's motion, KCC said via the report it provided at the meeting: "The Transport Department will consider the potential for the introduction of parking bye-laws in Kilcullen.

"The introduction of parking bye-laws will require the approval of the members and, if implemented, it would most likely extend beyond the Main Street to reduce the impact of parking bye-laws on residential developments and amenities.

"There is an ongoing review of existing bye-laws to be completed which will impact on the timescale of such a process."

KCC concluded: "The matter will be raised at the Transport, Mobility and Open Spaces Strategic Policy Committee for consideration as part of the 2025 Work Programme, which includes parking policy."

The senior executive officer for KCC's Transport, Mobility and Open Spaces department, Mark McLoughlin, added that while KCC is open to examining the bye-laws, as well as the suggestions offered by the different councillors, he also pointed out that KCC currently has limited funding to address the matter.

CONSIDERATION

Replying to Cllr O'Dwyer's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The Transport Department will consider the potential for the introduction of parking bye-laws in Kilcullen.

"The introduction of parking bye-laws will require the approval of the members and, if implemented, it would most likely extend beyond the Main Street to reduce the impact of parking bye-laws on residential developments and amenities.

"There is an ongoing review of existing bye-laws to be completed which will impact on the timescale of such a process."

KCC added: "The matter will be raised at the Transport, Mobility and Open Spaces Strategic Policy Committee for consideration as part of the 2025 Work Programme which includes parking policy."

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