Out-of-order parking meters in Waterford cause problems for the elderly

A Waterford councillor has impressed upon the council the importance of access to working parking meters for the elderly.

Speaking at the March sitting of Dungarvan-Lismore District Council, Councillor Thomas Phelan said he had noticed the council using plastic bags to cover out-of-order machines.

He asked how many parking meters there are, how many are in order and how many can they expect to be working in the future.

“How many can we expect to have working so there is a good spread of them and that old people, in particular, won't have far to get to them and can continue to access them so they can use cash instead of having to go on the app. I think that is vital we have a good number of parking meters in order," said Cllr Phelan.

Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes said while there have been issues, they are in the process of appointing a new contractor.

He said he hopes the new contract will address the ongoing issues.   

“And, again, I would encourage people to use the parking app on their phone where possible,” said Mr Hynes.