Parking problems in Cavan Town highlighted

Issues with parking in Cavan Town, including problems people are having using the new meter machines, were raised at a recent meeting of Cavan-Belturbet MD.

Fianna Fáil's Áine Smith said she thought the ticketing machine behind Tesco at Townparks, and beside St Clare's Church, was “card only”, and her concern was that this could exclude a proportion of the public.

“We have to look after everybody,” she said, her motion supported by party colleague Patricia Walsh who, herself, highlighted the need for additional accessible parking bays on Connolly Street.

“Especially for people attending medical appointments,” said Cllr Walsh.

“It's very difficult for people with mobility issues. They can't be dropped off.”

Pay and display parking control is in operation in Cavan Town between the hours of 8am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and only this year was it brought to the attention of the council that issues had arisen where “unauthorised” parking at taxi stand spaces was being monitored, with appropriate action taken where necessary.

There are four approved taxi ranks in Cavan Town, which provide a combined 18 designated spaces.

Senior Area Engineer Paul Mulligan noted that former Fine Gael Cllr Peter McVitty had previously raised the matter, but he said it was “not that easy” an issue to solve. It first had to “comply with all standards”.

Mr Mulligan pointed out that finding a suitable location was just as problematic, in that it would still require a wider footpath.

Director of Services Brendan Jennings acknowledged that “every town has its own issues”.

He added by way of explanation that people may need to show patience when using on-street ticketing machines, which require connection to Wi-Fi.

“It's not like tapping in a shop scenario,” said Mr Jennings.

“It can take a bit longer.”