Calls for free parking at Cavan Institute

Local councillors have called on Cavan Monaghan ETB to introduce free parking in Cavan Institute to resolve ongoing issues over parking along Cathedral Road.
Fianna Fáil's John Paul Feeley claimed that the current parking overflow is “hampering access” by local residents to the amenities of Con Smith Park; while Aontú's Sarah O’Reilly says it's "unfair" to charge local students to access the facility.
“Con Smith Park is a magnificent amenity for all of the people of Cavan Town many of whom work or drive there on a regular basis. It has something for people of every age. Unfortunately, footpaths in the area are often blocked due to cars being parked thereon and the limited parking available aimed at facilitating people going to the park are used primarily by students of Cavan Institute,” he said.
While commending the principal and staff of Cavan Institute given the demand for courses locally, he suggested parity with students attending Monaghan Institute where Cllr Feeley understand those attending can avail of free parking.
“It is not that there is no parking available at Cavan Institute; there is a very large parking area in the grounds of the Institute, which is subject to parking charges. Whilst these charges are not substantial, they are a sufficient deterrent to students who generally do not have much cash available to them to park on the public road.”
Cllr O'Reilly had raised the subject at the recent bi-monthly meeting of CMETB's Board, where she urged CEO John Kearney to engage in meaningful discussions with Cavan County Council on the matter.
She argued that Cavan County Council “are looking at spending a large amount of tax payer’s money in a bid to find a solution to the problem through an application for a low-cost safety scheme, when in reality all it would take is a 'common sense' approach by both agencies."