Disappearing Portlaoise parking spaces may hit Laois town's traders

Portlaoise is getting more pedestrian friendly with wider paths and cycle lanes, but any lost car parking spaces could cost businesses, say local councillors.

Customers will go somewhere else to shop if they can't find parking close by, they warn.

Portlaoise is planned and funded to reduce focus on carparks and attract pedestrians and cyclists instead, as Ireland's pilot Low Carbon Town. 

However Cllr Thomasina Connell has urged Laois County Council to provide parking close to pharmacies and shops.

"Parking is important for people to shop local, in Lyster Square and the Main Street. You need parking close to pharmacies. In Lyster Square and Tower Hill there has been a slight reduction in spaces.

"It has been brought to my attention that it is not easy to get parking close by. It's people with reduced mobility that need parking the most," Cllr Connell said.

She tabled a motion to the January meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking for an update on a parking audit that was to be undertaken in Portlaoise town centre.

The council confirmed that an audit has begun. 

"The Portlaoise parking study has commenced and is due to be completed before the end of April. The final report and recommendations will be presented to the elected members," senior engineer Adrian Barrett replied.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald seconded the motion.

"We've asked and we were told the figures are not reduced but I think Market Square has been. There is fantastic work done in Lyster Square but businesses are closing, we have to be so aware of parking. People said to me if they can't get spaces they drive somewhere else. 

"There are empty spaces on Jessop Street. There wouldn't be two cars parked there during the day. We have to take a serious look at any space we can get. I ask that Jessop Court has to come into the equation, that parking bays are freed up," Cllr Fitzgerald said.

Meanwhile the new footpaths are being partially blocked as people are backing up vehicles that extend over the paths. 

Cllr Willie Aird said bollards or "stoppers" are needed to stop cars and vans reversing back right up against a path.

"What's worse is a towbar," he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said that cars are parking on top of the new wide paths.

"It's a pity because we are trying to make the town more friendly to people in wheelchairs.  Traffic wardens can't be out at night. People should be mindful of others in wheelchairs or pushing buggies," she said.

Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton said that bollards are yet to be erected.

"I acknowledge the positive comments about Tower Hill. Some street furniture is yet to be installed and when it's in it will reduce the opportunity.

"When you park on a path, it is an offence as you are interfering with people using the path," he said.

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Jessop Court is in line to have some parking spaces converted from residential use, to combined public use he said.

"It was previously agreed that a number of spaces will be available and signs will be erected shortly," Mr Walton said.