More public parking spaces wanted in Portlaoise residential square

A residential square off Portlaoise Main Street should have more public parking spaces to support nearby businesses, says laois Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

Councillors won back four spaces for the driving public some years ago in Jessops Court, off Hinds Square.

It is not enough, the Fianna Fáil councillor said, tabling a motion to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

“We need more. This is a vital area for traders and businesses. A lot of people got tickets because of confusion over parking.

“Anyone looking for a residents parking permit should be treated like the Main Street where there is a rigorous application to prove you are living there,” she said.

Laois County Council says it will paint new road markings to show which spaces are for residents only.

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Cllr Barry Walsh seconded her motion, noting the popularity of Hinds Square for pedestrians to sit out in good weather.

"We need to support these areas so that the Main Street is more accessible," he said.