Laois parking meters targeted in attempted thefts in Portlaoise damaged beyond repair
Laois parking meters have been targeted in apparent attempted thefts and have had to be removed.
The parking meters damaged beyond repair, are in Portlaoise town centre, in the areas of Church Street, Tower Hill and the Triogue carpark at Mill View.
Laois Gardaí confirmed to the Leinster Express that two meters were noticed as being damaged in March, although they say no money was taken.
Laois County Council has confirmed that it will replace the vandalised unit in the Triogue carpark with a machine for both cards and cash. A temporary parking meter is in place but it is for cards only.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said she was “shocked” to hear they were “robbed” and wants to ensure cash is again an option for the new machine.
She tabled a motion to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking the council to install cash and card meters in Fitzmaurice Place.
“I am glad to hear it will be replaced. I am aware you are sourcing a new machine that is theft proof, if that is possible.
“I was shocked to hear they were robbed recently and the machine had to be removed.
“There is a card only machine in its place, that’s disturbing. I’ll be taking this up with the Gardaí to see if anyone was apprehended.
“There is a lot of people who like using cash, and are very nervous about using a card, they are afraid they will be scammed. I don’t blame them.
“It’s vital that people have the option of cash or card. I am happy to hear you are looking at sourcing an alternative machine,” she said.
Cllr Paddy Buggy suggested that “perhaps look at having an app on phones”.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald informed him that there is already a parking app for public carparks, called Payzone which can be used in any Irish public carpark.
“I wasn’t aware, that tells you how often I park,” he replied.
Cllr Dwane Stanley said that the app has a “slightly higher charge”, but Cllr Fitzgerald praised it as “absolutely brilliant”.