Council examining parking availability and cost in Waterford city

As part of an ongoing review, Waterford Council are examining the cost and availability of parking in the city.

The Council have also endeavoured to examine whether or not free parking could be made available on Saturday mornings to help people who are availing of nightlife in the city.

Cllr Adam Wyse made this suggestion during a Plenary meeting yesterday, saying that increasing the hours of free parking in the city would support local businesses and help “lift the mood.” 

He said that having free parking until approximately 12pm on Saturday mornings would encourage people to visit Waterford pubs and restaurants on a Friday evening without having to worry about their car.

He added that increasing the hours of free parking would also support the city’s retail offerings.

“I think we have a strong parking offer and a fair price in a lot of areas” Cllr Wyse said.

“But I’m wondering can we look at the cost impact on our budget of providing free parking on Saturday mornings, so that instead of charging from 8.30am, we start charging at 11am or 12pm.” 

Waterford Council Director of Services, Mr. Gabriel Hynes, said the management of parking is a complicated issue.

 “If you give free parking, it can clog up parking availability and can be more of a disadvantage that an advantage" he said.

"What we are doing at the moment is a parking review for the city. We are looking at all options in relation to making parking free at certain times, the cost of parking and how many spaces we have available."

Mr. Hynes said that as part of this review, Cllr Wyse's suggestion will be taken on board.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)